Katie Oakley is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and Certified Dance Medicine Specialist who brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, performance background, and dancer-centered care to her work. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Salisbury University and her Associate of Applied Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Wor-Wic Community College. Katie has been an integral member of Aquacare Physical Therapy for the past ten years, serving in multiple roles while completing her education and professional training. She now serves as the Clinical Director and PTA at Aquacare Physical Therapy’s Salisbury office in Salisbury, MD. For the past three years, Katie has also been a Certified Dance Medicine Specialist through the Dance Medicine Education Initiative, further strengthening her clinical focus on the prevention, treatment, and performance needs of dancers.

Katie draws on 16 years of competitive dance experience, including training at Broadway Dance Center in New York City and performing at Walt Disney World and aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. After her performance career, she transitioned into teaching and choreography, contributing works for James M. Bennett’s Rock n’ Roll Revival, Community Players, the Salisbury University Theatre Department and multiple competition pieces for local dance companies.

In her Dance Medicine practice, Katie provides a comprehensive range of dancer-specific wellness and rehabilitation services. These include pre-pointe and pointe readiness screenings, injury prevention programming, competition-season conditioning and preparation, taping and cupping techniques, myofascial release integrated with movement, spinal alignment and muscle energy techniques, and individualized movement-based recovery strategies. She is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional physical therapy and the unique physical demands of dance, empowering performers to move safely, confidently, and sustainably.

Katie believes that access to specialized Dance Medicine care is essential in her community—home to numerous dance studios, pre-professional ballet programs, theatre companies, and university performing arts programs—and she is dedicated to supporting dancers at every level of training and performance.

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CREDENTIALS RECEIVED BY DFD 

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT LICENSE - STATE OF MD - LIC # 221690

Dance Medicine Practicum – Dance Medicine Education Initiative (DMEI)
Issued by: Dance Medicine Education Initiative (DMEI)

• Module I: Introductory Concepts in Dance Medicine
  Completed: September 25–26, 2021

• Module II: Lower Extremity – Foot, Ankle & Knee
  Completed: November 6–7, 2021

• Module III: Lumbopelvic Girdle & Hip
  Completed: March 5–6, 2022

• Module IV: Upper Quadrant – Thorax, Cervical Spine & Shoulder Girdle
  Completed: June 4–5, 2022

Liability Insurance Received.

All documents are on file.