Nestled in the Lehigh Valley is a special haven for injured artists of all sorts, athletes and orthopedic patients. It's the Good Shepherd Performing Arts Rehabilitation Center, 800 Eaton Avenue, Bethlehem.

The facility is so specialized that an injured artist would often choose otherwise to travel to New York City to receive the services offered at this impressive center.

Knowledgeable and experienced clinicians, Catherine Dara and Margo Clifford Ging, create a healing space for dancers and musicians, as well as golfers, football players, ice skaters, gymnasts, cheerleaders and traditional patients with knee injuries, neck pain, arthritis and orthopedic problems.

The sanctuary for the wounded artist, that opened in February 2013, encompasses 3,000-square-feet, including a musicians' room furnished with a piano and another room with a sprung dance floor, ballet barre and mirrors.

The highly motivated team of Dara and Ging daily attends to six to 12 patients, referred by a doctor.

"We are happy to be the first and only facility dedicated to the treatment of performing artists in the Lehigh Valley," says Dara, who has worked with athletes throughout her career.

"I don't have to be a football player to help get him back on the field," Dara says.

Ging, a professional dancer, choreographer and dance teacher, brings a repertoire of experience to her daily practice with her patients.

The team works in collaboration to evaluate the specific problems of each injury. They present seminars on proper technique, balance and alignment and quarterly "Lunch and Learn Series" for dance studio owners, dancers and musicians.

The "Be Well Dancer Program" is offered to dancers in their off-season to work on conditioning, a cross-training program and to keep them in shape.

Screenings for prospective patients are available at the facility or on site at a dance studio or area schools.

Megan, 17, came to the Good Shepherd Performing Arts Rehabilitation Center after a year and a half of not being able to dance.

"She had a prior injury for the third time with her right ankle and was looking for an alternative situation for therapy other than New York," Ging says.

Megan was evaluated in April. Her goal was to audition this fall for "Nutcracker" performances next month.

At first, Megan's movement was limited. She was terrified to go on pointe. Ging began with traditional exercises and therapy, working in parallel so the muscles could regain their strength.

Ging also worked on Megan's technique so that she could learn to train properly and avoid injury again. Megan progressed from a turned out position, to jumping on a trampoline, to balancing on one leg, and then to getting back in her pointe shoes.

Megan was ready to audition for The Roxey Ballet Company, Lambertville, N.J., where she was cast in the "Russian Suite" and "Flowers Suite" of the "Nutcracker."

Four local Irish step dancers completed their therapy successfully and Dara and Ging sent them on their way to the Irish step dancing world competition in London, England.

A musician might come in with his or her body mechanics imbalanced. Perhaps a cello player might have incorrect posture. A piano player might be leaning over too much. The team treats violinists and drummers to resolve problems that inhibit their playing so that they can reach their full potential.

Ging was fascinated with the human body and researched what careers would allow her to continue to work in the dance world. "Dance is my passion," she says.

Ging had worked for Walt Disney World, dealing with all sorts of injuries. When the Good Shepherd Performing Arts Rehabilitation Center opened, Ging immediately joined the team.

Ging was instrumental helping to set up a Lehigh Carbon Community College physical therapist assistant education program. She's a member of the Performing Arts Medicine Association, which meets and networks with other doctors and therapists to discuss various techniques of healing injuries.

Ging still choreographs for Cedar Crest College, her own company, DanceGing, and is also commissioned by other companies.

Good Shepherd Performing Arts Rehabilitation Center information: goodshepherdrehab.org/services/orthopedic-rehabilitation/performing-arts-rehabilitation-center, 610-868-2805