In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS joined by London-based physiotherapist and performing arts medicine specialist Bethany Shum.

Bethany is the founder of Flexibility Matters Physio and works with performers at the National Centre for Circus Arts. Her work spans circus artists, dancers, cheerleaders, and other high-level performers navigating the demands of flexibility, strength, and performance.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• How to differentiate between training-related soreness and pain that may signal a problem
• The “no pain, no gain” mindset in performing arts—and how it impacts long-term health
• Hypermobility in dancers and performers: when it helps and when it creates challenges
• What it looks like to support pre-professional circus artists in a high-demand training environment
• Bethany’s journey from athlete to specialist physiotherapist

This episode is especially relevant for dancers, circus artists, cheerleaders, and clinicians working in performing arts medicine who want a more nuanced understanding of pain, flexibility, and performance.

Listen to Bethany’s podcast: Growth Through Movement
Learn more: www.fmphysio.com
Follow: @flexibility_matters | @thecheerphysio

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