How to Not F*ck Up Your Shoulders
Pole Dancing
a 6-week online course
designed for beginner pole dancers who want to build shoulders that can handle the demands of pole.
Starting May 26th 2026
This course will teach you:
How to reduce your risk of injury through self-assessments of the shoulder, specific exercises/drills to address each movement and set you on the path to achieving your pole goals.
Your shoulders are doing way more than you realize.
When you’re new to pole, everything is exciting!
You’re learning new spins, how to climb & holding yourself off the ground (and potentially upside down).
You’re asking your shoulders to handle loads in positions they may not be ready for, yet.
At some point, you’ve probably heard the stories of how common shoulder injuries are in pole dancers.
The shoulder tweaks that have people modifying everything in class. The “I had to take 6 months off & do a bunch of rehab”.
You might be thinking oh but “pole is just hard on your shoulders.”
Yes, and there are things we can do to better prepare our bodies for the demands of pole.
This course gives you the exact framework I wish more dancers had during their first year, so you don’t build bad habits, overload your tissues too quickly, or end up in a chronic injury cycle.
Let’s not guess.
Let’s assess.
You’ll learn:
How to assess your shoulders for range of motion and strength limitations that impact your pole skills.
Exercises/drills to address common limitations.
How to structure your on and off the pole training so you can achieve your pole goals.
What’s included:
Weekly assessments & exercise programming through the TrueCoach app with feedback from Dr. Emily.
Weekly Zoom Meetings every TUESDAY at 2pm Pacific Time
Dates: May 19, 26 & June 2, 9. 23, 30 Everything is recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t attend the zoom sessions live?
No stress! You’ll miss out on the interactive component but a recording will be sent & you’ll have access to it forever.
What equipment do I need?
A blank wall.
A foam roller.
A yoga block or 2.
Light or medium looped mini-band.
A light or medium tension long floppy band. Not a powerband.
A dowel or broomstick.
A chair or bench.
Light & heavy powerband.
Lighter weight for accessory movements.
Heavy weight for compound movements.
Who is this for?
Pole dancers who are not currently injured and want to do everything they can to stay that way.
Who is this not for?
Pole dancers who are currently injured. The Pole Performance Program is my 1:1 injury rehab program.
What assessments will be covered?
Flexion, extension, internal/external rotation, adduction/abduction, pushing, pulling.
Will I be able to get feedback?
Yes! You will have the option to submit videos through the TrueCoach Application. The feedback will be limited to the results of your assessments & form of exercises performed.
Looking for the Self-Paced Course?
Click here.
Who am I?
If this is our first time meeting, Hi!
My name is Dr. Emily Rausch.
I'm a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician who specializes in pole dancers. I've been pole dancing for almost 6 years (March 27th is my pole-iversary). I combine my doctor brain with my pole dancer experience to help pole dancers learn how to not f*ck up their bodies and help them unf*ck them when they do.
What people are saying
Dr. Emily is a wealth of knowledge and easy to talk to! I love how she doesn’t just tell you what’s wrong, but actually helps you develop a plan about why and how to make things better! - Megan
Emily is one of the most knowledgeable practitioners I've met in a while. She works to stay up to date in a fast changing environment which allows her to provide relevant and effective care. You are in good hands. - Justin
Dr. Emily is super knowledgeable and is happy to explain all and any details and questions. She is very kind and is patient for the both of us on days when my goals seem out of reach. She has always found an alternative and has helped me chance my mindset to focusing on what I can do rather than what I can't. - Ana