Dance Physiotherapy
The Safe Dance Report revealed that 72% of dancers experience an injury cycle.
Dance physiotherapy is performed by physios with a special interest in dance who understand the demands, technique and injuries unique to dance and the performing arts.
Assessments and treatment of all dance and performing arts injuries
Dance physiotherapy can provide an accurate diagnosis of all dance-related injuries and direct the most appropriate evidence-based treatment with a guided return to dance. Along the way we will advise you on what specific steps you need to avoid, so that you can continue with some aspects of your training.
Common dance injuries include back pain, foot pain, knee pain, shin pain and stress fractures. Chronic problems such as low back pain on arabesque, and foot pain on leaping and plie, are often the result of ignoring minor pain. Pain that is ignored leads to abnormal movement patterns and the injury becomes more difficult to treat. Be proactive and see Sport & Spinal Physio to get your dance injury sorted out before it becomes chronic and limits your dancing potential.
Dance specific rehabilitation, strengthening and flexibility programs
Exercise programs may be designed to correct muscle imbalances and improve dance aspects such as:
- turnout
- hamstring and groin flexibility for splits
- core lumbopelvic control
- ankle control
- alignment
- dance technique
- muscle imbalances
Pre-pointe assessments
An assessment of all major joints involved in dance to detect any muscle weakness/tightness, joint stiffness or mal-alignment, which may predispose the dancer to injury when commencing pointe work. Specific exercises are given to correct any problems identified. Based on current dance medicine research, the best results are achieved if the assessment takes place 3-6 months before the dancer begins pointe work, to allow any imbalances to be corrected.
Dance screenings
Dance specific musculoskeletal screenings are an assessment of a dancer’s joint range and muscular strength, control and flexibility. Specific exercises are given to assist with enhancing dance technique in order to prevent injury. Dance screening is recommended for students when first starting to dance, after a period of rapid growth, when there is an increase in hours dancing, and following a change of teachers or dance styles. Screenings are compulsory for entrance to many tertiary dance courses.