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Dr. Katie van den Heuvel, Performing Arts PT

@dizzydancedoc

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Doctor of PT helping performers and theater professionals defy gravity with joy & science!

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Travel Day✈️🌎🌍🛳️

Katie is all settled on #ScarletLady now, but it is no small feat to get to the Lady Ships.

Enjoy a look into the first step of a contract!

#cruiseentertainment #performingartspt by @dizzydancedoc

Coming soon to Scarlet Lady: Katie!

We are so excited to have Katie back for her 3rd contract. She has a wide breadth of experience across orthopedic and performing arts populations, and we are so grateful to have her knowledge on board.

Welcome back, Katie!

Interested in having one of our expert practitioners available for your cast? Check the link to our website to request an operational review.

#performingartspt #cruiseentertainment #touringphysio by @dizzydancedoc

On July 12, I went with a bunch of ship friends to ride a mountain coaster in Kotor, Montenegro! It was a bit more of a journey than I typically do for a port day because we needed to ride a tender boat walk across town, take a bus, then take a cable car to get way up high in the mountains- there was just enough time to ride rides buy my souvenir key ring, and then reverse the journey quickly 😊 by @dizzydancedoc

July 5, 2026 I had a fabulous trip to the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Athens with my friends Fern and Irina! by @dizzydancedoc

I rejoined the Scarlet Lady on June 10, 2026 in Bodrum Turkey, and started visiting new ports in Greece, Turkey, and Croatia (including Game of Thrones film locations in Dubrovnik) as well as getting to visit the bridge of the ship! by @dizzydancedoc

Collecting a new key ring for every new city or port that I visit is a long-standing tradition with me now, and I have so many different keyrings from my time touring with shows in the United States and my time traveling as a performing arts physical therapist at sea!#performingartsmedicine #ptatsea #dptlife #cruiselife by @dizzydancedoc

Our amazing therapist Katie on board #ScarletLady shows us how she’s adapted to rocky sea days 🌊🌊

Working in a ship means modifying some of our techniques, just as our performers may need to modify tracks due to ocean conditions.

Thanks, Katie!

#cruiseentertainment #performingartspt by @dizzydancedoc

Did you know that losing just 1–2% of your body weight in fluid can noticeably lower your physical endurance, spike your core temperature, and cause your heart rate to rise faster during exercise?

When your body is fighting dehydration, your usual rehearsal or performance feels significantly harder than it should.

📲 Save the infographic above to keep this complete hydration guide ready for your next show! It breaks down daily baseline needs, pre/post-show timing, and critical emergency action steps for heat illness.

What’s your biggest obstacle when it comes to drinking enough water during long rehearsals and double show days? Let us know below! 💧

References & Sources:
Manore MM, Meyer NL, Thompson JL. Sport nutrition for health and performance. 2nd ed. Human Kinetics Publishers; 2009.

Casa DJ, Armstrong LE, Hillman SK, et al. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for Athletes. Journal of Athletic Training. 2000;35(2):212-224. Water Health Benefits.

Hydration and Electrolyte replenishment during exercise. Water Importance. Published Dec 26, 2014. by @dizzydancedoc

Uphill All the Way! ⛰️

Eddie and I took on the Rattlesnake Mountain trail in the Cascades today. It was two miles of almost nonstop uphill trekking, but the beautiful Pacific Northwest spring vibes made it worth every step! 🌸

We hit Stan’s Overlook for a well-earned snack and water break while soaking in those gorgeous valley views. Everything is starting to bloom - the trees are budding, the water is flowing, and the weather was absolutely perfect. 🌳

It was great to share the trail with so many other hikers and a very diverse (and adorable) assortment of trail dogs! 🐾

Coming down was definiely easier on the heart rate, but the legs were certainly feeling that climb! 😊 by @dizzydancedoc

A Nerd Day Out in Seattle! ☔️✨

Eddie and I took the scenic route to Seattle Center with a transit trifecta: bus, Link, and the Monorail!

Outside of the museum was a fun park with a labyrinth, poems, and interactive musical fence among the play structures.

MoPOP (The Museum of Pop Culture) was an absolute blast. Getting to see props and costumes from Star Wars, Doctor Who, Star Trek (and more!) up close was incredible - the Borg and Darth Vader are just as intimidating in person, and I really enjoyed comparing the anatomy of a Terminator to human anatomy. Seeing Buttercup’s dress from The Princess Bride was a total “as you wish” moment, and seeing Gimli’s helmet made the fantasy fan in me very happy.

We also squeezed in some music history and education (that guitar tower is iconic!) and grabbed the mandatory Space Needle selfie while walking by. It was the perfect way to spend a day off and get some miles in! by @dizzydancedoc

Our life together has been a beautiful, “go with the flow” adventure. From navigating several Army relocations to our current season of life, your kindness has been my constant.

Even now, as my work in performing arts medicine takes me across the oceans on cruise ships, you remain my anchor and my support. Thank you for the Marco Polos that bridge the miles, the endless GIFs that make me laugh, and the thoughtful way you champion my passion from near and far.

Now that we are free to look for our next permanent home base somewhere in the world, we know the destination doesn’t matter. As long as we are connected, we are already home.

I love and appreciate you! Happy Valentine’s Day! by @dizzydancedoc

Learning, connecting, and celebrating the physical therapy profession with @official_apta at #APTACSM! by @dizzydancedoc