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Vital Steps | Dance Physiotherapy

Your dance physiotherapist, from first class to final bow.

Season-long support for dancers, families and studios from Kris Milligan, a physiotherapist and former competitive dancer, at 01 Athleticare in West Edmonton Mall.

Appointments for dancers and families. Workshops for studios and instructors.

Meet Your Dance Physiotherapist
Kris Milligan, MScPT, BSc (née Marcotte)

Physical Therapist | Former Dancer and Instructor | Movement Specialist

Kris brings together extensive clinical expertise with lived experience in competitive dance. Specializing in dance medicine, movement screening, body biomechanics, injury prevention and return-to-performance rehabilitation, she helps dancers train smarter, not just harder, to move with strength, artistry and longevity.

“As both a physiotherapist and a lifelong dancer and educator, I am deeply passionate about helping dancers achieve their best while safeguarding their health and longevity.” Kris Milligan

The Vital Steps Program

A physiotherapist in your corner, all season long.

Vital Steps gives dancers their own dance physiotherapist for the whole season. Kris gets to know each dancer, how they move and what their schedule looks like, then stays with them from the first class to the final bow. Dancers don't have to wait for something to hurt to get support.

01

Pre-season preparation

Build a strong foundation before training ramps up.

02

In-season maintenance

Stay strong and supported through classes, rehearsals and competition.

03

Recovery and return to performance

A clear, guided path back to the studio and the stage.

Dancers also have access to the 01 Athleticare multidisciplinary team: physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, sport psychologists and sports dietitians.

Built for the whole dance community

Dancers

Refine lines and extensions through controlled strength
Build power and control at end range
Care that understands ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz and acro
Train smarter for a long, confident dance life

Parents

Guidance from a clinician who knows dance from the inside
Support for growing dancers through every stage of training
A clear plan for recovery and return to the stage
Always welcome at workshops

Studio owners and instructors

Expert education at your studio or the 01 Athleticare Recovery Lounge
A trusted care partner all season long
Shared language for instructors and choreographers
A studio culture of healthy, sustainable training
Your season with Kris
$180Step 1: Vital Steps Dancer Assessment

Where every dancer starts.

Dance-specific Athlete in Motion Screen
The AIMS assessment from the 01 Athleticare 360 Series, built around how dancers move.
Hands-on manual therapy assessment
Kris assesses joints, muscles and movement by hand.
VALD assessment and programming
Force plate testing that measures strength, power and side-to-side balance, turned into your program.
Personalized Blueprint report
Your results and next steps in one clear report.
Step 2: Follow-Up Appointments

Support that moves with your season.

Season check-ins
See Kris as training, rehearsals and competitions change.
Progress reviews and program updates
Your plan moves with your season.

All appointments are eligible for insurance benefits.

For Studio Owners

Finding Length with Strength

A Vital Steps Dance Workshop through 01 Athleticare

Elevate the education your studio offers. Finding Length with Strength brings dance medicine expertise to your whole dance family, in your studio or at the 01 Athleticare Recovery Lounge, with practical learning dancers can take straight back into class. Led by physical therapist and former competitive dancer Kris Milligan.

$250 per workshop. 60 minutes: a 45-minute session plus 15 minutes of Q&A.
For dancers age 8 and up and instructors. Parents are welcome.
What dancers learn
Active mobility vs. passive overstretching
Improve lines, extensions and technique through controlled strength.
AIMS: Athlete in Motion Screen
Spot hyperextension, compensation patterns and imbalances, and learn how to correct them.
Strength at end range
Gain the power and control needed for safe, high-performance movement.
Why studios book it
A dance physiotherapist's expertise for dancers, instructors and families
Shared language for strength, mobility and technique
Dancer health and longevity as part of your studio culture
A season-long relationship with a physiotherapist who knows dance

For competitive and pre-professional dancers in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz and acro, plus instructors, choreographers and dance families. Enhance performance. Reduce injury risk. Build confident, powerful movement.

Common questions
Do I need an injury to book?

No. Many dancers book a Vital Steps Dancer Assessment before the season starts or as training ramps up, so they have a plan and someone in their corner from day one.

Are appointments covered by insurance?

All appointments are eligible for insurance benefits. Check your plan for physiotherapy coverage.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to see a physiotherapist in Alberta. Some benefit plans ask for one, so check your plan.

What should I wear to my assessment?

Comfortable, athletic clothing.

Where are you located?

01 Athleticare, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton. Use Entrance 31, Level 1, Phase 1.

How do I book a workshop for my studio?

Send the workshop form below, call (780) 902-3255 or email athleticare@zerone.ca. Workshops run at your studio or at the 01 Athleticare Recovery Lounge, for dancers age 8 and up and instructors. Parents are welcome.

Book Vital Steps