Courtney Goebel

Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer

Major: Exercise Physiology Graduate Degree

What is your official title here at the University?
My official title at the University is Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer.

What has been your educational background? Where did you study? Do you have any previous experience with dance in particular?
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University at Akron and, currently am in the Exercise Physiology Graduate program. During my time in Akron as a student I worked with track and field/cross country, softball, women’s swim and dive, woman’s basketball, Walsh Jesuits High School, and the Crystal Clinic. I grew up watching my younger sister dance and helped with props, tickets, and other tasks during recital time. I am super excited to be a part of the dance world again.

What have you learned in working with dancers specifically?
Dancers bring different types of injuries into the athletic training room compared to athletes. Their injuries tend to be more chronic injuries compared to acute injuries. Examples of common chronic injuries would be patella tendonitis, Achille’s tendonitis, and stress fractures.

What particular challenges do dancers face?
The biggest challenges dancers face is the business of the dance world. Some days it feels like the dancing never really stops. Many of the dancers I work with also dance with local companies, teaching in studios, are on the dance team, and in performances such as UADC -- on top of required dance classes.

What work do you often do with the dancers here at UA?
I provide multiple services for the dancers here at UA. I evaluate and diagnosis injuries, rehabilitation of injuries, preventive measures such as taping or stretching, and provide referrals to area doctors.

What advice would you give dancers to stay healthy? What exercises do you think are the best?
My advice to dancers is to use your resources. Here at the University, I work closely with closely with Akron Children’s Hospital. Their physical therapy department and doctors do tremendous work with not only the University dancers, but other area dancers as well. So the moment anything doesn’t feel right don’t hesitate to get it checked out! It is a common misconception that it will just go away one its own. It’s hard to pick just one exercise; any exercise that strengthens the hips is ideal. Examples are squats, lunges, yoga, and Pilates.