Dr. Amy Benton is the owner of Prime Performance Physical Therapy Clinic and the Head of Dance and Performing Arts Rehabilitation. Amy graduated from Simmons College in 2008 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She is a Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a dance rehabilitation expert. As a former dancer and performer of over 20 years, she understands the intricate needs of dancers. Trained in Pilates, Yoga, and the Functional Movement System (FMS) she utilizes this knowledge in combination with her manual therapy techniques to provide holistic and comprehensive treatment to performing artists in the clinical setting.
Amy has been a board member and the lead therapist for The Portland Ballet for the past 6 years, providing in-studio injury prevention screenings and treatments. She developed a pre-pointe readiness program that helps screen and train dancers to transition to pointe work. She works closely with the directors, dance teachers, and parents to ensure dancers get timely therapy for injuries and technique-centered care. In addition, she presents annually during The Portland Ballet summer intensives, speaking to dancers about a variety of topics relevant to their needs.
In the clinic, Dr. Benton provides hands-on Physical Therapy treatments, performance coaching, recovery, pointe shoe evaluations, and injury prevention guidance to performing artists across the state. She also designs and delivers dance-specific, cross-training, and educational workshops geared towards helping dancers recover from injury, build strength, reduce injury risk factors, learn new techniques for safe flexibility, develop athletic skills, and improve overall performance.