As a ballet mom, one of the hardest things is finding a specialist for dance injuries who is qualified, knowledgeable, and caring enough to identify the root issues. Add to the issue that our dancer just moved thousands of miles away, and I had no idea where to start with local specialists. I searched online and began connecting with other parents through Facebook groups. I saw mention of Dr. Ruffin and was immediately impressed by her website. We arranged a Zoom appointment with Dr. Ruffin, my dancer, and myself.

From the very first visit, watching her assess my dancer and investigate all of the issues, I realized I had found exactly who I had been looking for. Injuries are challenging, and even more so for a dancer who is living away from home. Thanks to Dr. Ruffin, we now have a clear recovery protocol, and they are able to meet weekly to work toward healing.

Dr. Ruffin is a true technician: she analyzes from the feet up and recognizes the importance of a solid foundation. Any issue in the foundation can cause problems from the knees to the hips and beyond. She tirelessly spends time educating and encouraging. My dancer looks forward to her weekly calls and always feels that progress is being made. Dr. Ruffin provides a weekly report and includes recommendations for the week ahead including stretches and modifications recommended for ballet classes. These recommendations can easily be shared with ballet faculty so that they are aware of the healing process from a teacher/director perspective.

I have learned the hard way in my years as a ballet mom that there are plenty of specialists who promise the world and then deliver very little assistance. I can honestly say that Dr. Ruffin is here to help your dancer and has provided more knowledge, support and encouragement than I could have ever imagined. She truly loves what she does, and she has a heart of gold and a demeanor that puts people at ease, helping them get to the root of their issues. Ballet is hard enough without juggling an injury, and adding an injury into the mix can seem impossible. But thanks to Dr. Ruffin, my dancer is growing, thriving, and healing.

The healing process is gradual, but the knowledge that she is taking the time to fully heal gives my dancer peace and trust in the process. We highly recommend Dr. Ruffin, and we feel like we have found the most amazing dance doctor in the United States!

—Megan B., Dance Mom

“When my daughter Jade turned 12 she was very anxious to go on pointe.  I brought her in to meet with Dr Ruffin for her pre-pointe assessment at Scarsdale Ballet.  Dr Ruffin was very kind and extremely knowledgeable and thorough.  Dr Ruffin asked her to show her certain key movements, holds and positions that she would need to have been developed for her to safely go on pointe.  We learned so much in the assessment about how to use proper technique and position to avoid injuries when considering going on pointe.  I was thrilled that Dr Ruffin took the time to explain to Jade why strengthening specific leg, foot, and even abs and shoulder muscles are key in creating muscle memory to be able to withstand the pressure that pointe will put on not just the feet but the entire body if not aligned well when dancing.  We both realized that taking the time to really work on strengthening her muscles instead of just “jumping” onto pointe for the first time is essential and it gives me the peace of mind that my daughter can dance safely for as long as she will want to.”

—Carolyn Kennedy, Dance Mom

"Dr Ruffin is the best Podiatrist! She is so patient and great with children. We recently discovered my daughter needs prescribed orthotics to help her feet. Dr. Ruffin put a lot of thought into her case.  My daughter has been wearing orthotics for 6 months now and we can see the significant improvement. I am so glad we came to see Dr. Ruffin. Can't appreciate it enough! " 

—H. Z. , Ballet Dance Mom

“Dr. Ruffin treated my teenage ballet dancer daughter with such care and attention to detail. She treated her ingrown toenails and a fractured toe with professionalism and deep knowledge of the injuries. She has a wonderful bedside manner. I highly recommend Dr. Ruffin for any dancer, especially those who go en pointe. She is a fantastic Podiatrist and such an asset to the Scarsdale Ballet studio.”

—L. Hale, mom of a teenage dancer

“Dr. Ruffin is excellent. For years I had a very stubborn plantar wart on the metatarsal head of my pinky toe and it significantly impacted my ability to walk and dance. Throughout this time, I saw four podiatrists but was unfortunately misdiagnosed or prescribed medication that was too strong which burnt and injured my foot. I feel very blessed to have met Dr. Ruffin. She is so patient, kind, listens and explains everything well. I can tell Dr. Ruffin truly cares for her patients. Her examination was thorough and she even took the extra step to research treatment that was suitable for me. I highly recommend Dr. Ruffin to any dancer or anyone needing expert podiatric care.”

—Lynda, Adult Ballet Dancer