Transforming the Stage: Highlights from Melissa Buffer’s Interview with Dr. Alyssa Arms
At the Artistic Athlete Health Collective, we're always on the lookout for conversations that shape the future of artist wellness. Melissa Buffer, MSPT, CNPT, recently joined Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS, on Dance Med Spotlight to discuss advancing the standard of health management for performing artists. From pioneering early intervention to promoting holistic and collaborative care, Melissa’s approach is reshaping how we view and support artist health.
Melissa’s Journey to Championing Artist Health
Melissa’s path began as a dancer herself, which influenced her transition into performing arts physical therapy. “I’ve been a dancer my whole life,” she shared, explaining how her immersion in dance from an early age laid the groundwork for her deep understanding of the physical and emotional needs of performers. This journey fueled her drive to not only provide traditional care but also integrate a sports medicine model tailored for artists—a model that prioritizes proactive health management.
Redefining Performance Health with Early Intervention
One of the standout themes Melissa highlighted was the importance of getting ahead of injuries before they start. She described the common backstage practice: “Most productions offer 20-minute PT slots—quick fixes that don't address the root cause.” Instead, Melissa advocates for being present early in rehearsal processes, assessing risk factors like repetitive movements and costume limitations, and working directly with performers to implement injury reduction strategies.
By collaborating closely with choreographers and directors, Melissa’s team identifies adjustments that can reduce wear and tear on the body. She proudly noted, “In our last production, we made small changes to choreography and saw just one injury throughout the entire run. That’s what proactive care can achieve.”
Collaborative Care as a Game-Changer
Melissa’s mission goes beyond individual treatments. She shared, “We need to think of artist care as a community effort. It’s about assembling a network of experts—PTs, massage therapists, acupuncturists, nutritionists—who work together to ensure that every performer has tailored support.” This multi-pronged approach, embedded in her collective’s services, has changed the landscape of artist care, emphasizing that true support is holistic.
“We need to think of artist care as a community effort. It’s about assembling a network of experts—PTs, massage therapists, acupuncturists, nutritionists—who work together to ensure that every performer has tailored support.”
The Role of Self-Advocacy in Artist Health
A significant takeaway from the discussion was Melissa’s belief in empowering performers to voice their health concerns: “Artists know their bodies better than anyone else. Speaking up when something feels off is crucial, and clinicians need to be safe havens for those conversations.” She highlighted the necessity of breaking the silence around injuries and discomfort, noting that open communication can lead to better care and long-term health.
Building Mentorship and a Future-Ready Community
Melissa’s impact doesn’t stop at direct care. Through her mentorship program, she’s nurturing a new generation of clinicians with the skills to support performing artists effectively. “When I started, I didn’t have a guide. Now, seeing mentees step into their own practices and tailor their care to this community has been incredibly rewarding,” she reflected.
Empowering Change in Performing Arts
Melissa’s advocacy extends to encouraging systemic change. She’s passionate about collaborating with companies to build emergency plans, educate artists on their rights, and create pathways for seamless access to healthcare resources. “We need to support our performers as athletes—they train and endure the same physical rigors,” she emphasized.
Melissa’s interview offers a compelling look at how artist care can be more than reactive—it can be preventive, collaborative, and deeply empathetic. Her work is not just about keeping performers on stage; it’s about fostering an environment where they can thrive.
The conversation with Dr. Arms makes it clear: it’s time to rethink how we care for artists.
Watch the full interview here to explore Melissa’s innovative approach and learn how we can collectively champion a culture of well-being in the performing arts.