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Mandy Blackmon, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT

Mandy Blackmon, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT

Dr. Blackmon teaches in the DPT program at Mercer University in Atlanta, GA, primarily in the musculoskeletal course series and related intervention courses. Her current research areas of interest include hypermobility, trigger points and dry needling, and injury surveillance and prevention in dancers and performing artists.  She speaks on these topics at local, state, national, and international meetings.

Dr. Blackmon is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia (PTAG), and the APTA’s Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy.  She holds leadership positions in the  Performing Arts Special Interest Group.  In 2015, PTAG awarded her the Merit Award for Exceptional Service and Achievement.

She is also a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, the International Myofascial Pain Society, and the Performing Arts Medical Association.  She serves on the Executive Board for Dance/USA’S Taskforce on Dancer Health, addressing injury prevention and surveillance for professional dancers. Dr. Blackmon is the past President of the Eating Disorders Information Network and now serves on the Medical Advisory Board for the organization.

Dr. Blackmon is a board-certified specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy with 18 years of clinical experience treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions. She specializes in treating performing artists and dancers, and is the head physical therapist for Atlanta Ballet.

Mandy runs a private practice in Atlanta, GA and is a founding partner in Atlanta Dance Medicine.



Series Content Where I am Featured:
When Healthy Goes Too Far: The Relationship of Energy Availability and Injury in Dancers

Content Where I Am Featured

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  • When Healthy Goes Too Far: The Relationship of Energy Availability and Injury in Dancers
    Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits

    The physical and emotional demands placed on dancers in today's culture are great. Gaining a competitive edge and the drive for thinness can often push dancers of all ages and abilities to train harder and eat “healthier”. While this intensity is often admired by teachers, parents, and fellow dancers, healthy eating behaviors that lead to inadequate fueling and the elimination of too many foods or food groups can result in nutrient deficiencies, compromised immune function and increased risk of injury and fractures. The “Female Athlete Triad” is well-known terminology that describes a triad of energy availability, bone health and menstrual function. The term “Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport” (RED-S) broadens this concept to include male athletes and describes the complexity that includes dysfunction in a variety of systems including: gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, immunological, integumentary, reproductive, etc.