Amy’s Licenses / Certifications
- Owner of Prime Performance
- Physical Therapist
- Dance & Performing Arts Expert
- Performance Coach
- Certified Manual Physical Therapist
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Dr. Amy Benton, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Dance & Performing Arts Expert | Performance Coach | Owner – Prime Performance
Dr. Amy Benton is an owner of Prime Performance and a specialist in dance and performing arts rehabilitation. With over 20 years of experience as a dancer and performer, she brings a deep, personal understanding of the physical demands and unique needs of performing artists. Her mission is to help dancers and athletes achieve their highest potential—whether in the studio, on stage, or in competition—through expert physical therapy and performance training.
Amy earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Simmons College in 2008. She is a Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a recognized expert in dance rehabilitation. Amy is a board member and lead PT for The Portland Ballet. Amy also serves as a Board Member for the Bend Ballet which offers world class performances and education to the communities in Central Oregon.
In the clinic, Amy delivers hands-on physical therapy, personalized performance coaching, and comprehensive recovery and injury-prevention programs. She also develops and leads dance-specific cross-training sessions and educational workshops that focus on injury recovery, strength development, injury risk reduction, safe flexibility training, technical advancement, and overall performance enhancement.
Amy’s Expertise Around the Web
Inspiring Conversations with Amy Benton of Prime Performance
June 11, 2026 · Oregon Voyager
OregonVoyager profiles Amy Benton’s path from dancer and physical therapist to co-founder of Prime Performance, including the challenges of building a multidisciplinary clinic and performance center in Portland. The interview also highlights Prime Performance’s integrated approach to physical therapy, wellness, sports science, and individualized performance care.
Exercise and Sciatica Advice
November 5, 2025 · The New York Times
Amy Benton contributes expert guidance on exercise and managing sciatica.
Talking Feet (+ More) with a Physical Therapist
June 27, 2025 · Another Mother Runner podcast
Recorded live at Amy’s physical therapy studio, Amy joins Sarah Bowen Shea and Britany Williams for a wide-ranging conversation about foot health, asymmetry, running shoes, IT band issues, ways to massage and mobilize the feet, and the importance of the big toe in movement.
Return to Training + Racing Post-Injury
Amy talks with Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat about returning safely to running after injury, including how to know when you’re ready to progress, why a gradual return matters, and how to approach training for a comeback race with the long term in mind.
Bunion Relief for Runners
June 2, 2023 · Another Mother Runner podcast
Amy joins Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell to discuss non-surgical approaches to bunions, bunionettes, and hammertoes; strengthening the feet and toes; choosing foot-friendly running shoes; and the role of toe spacers.
The episode is part of the current Another Mother Runner archive, which remains available through the major podcast platforms: