Prioritizing Dancer Wellness through Dance Medicine
by Carrie Joy
Dancers immerse themselves in one of the most captivating forms of art, demanding a level of physical technicality that distinguishes them from conventional athletes. In response to these unique demands, medical professionals have developed a specialized approach known as "dance medicine." This field focuses on addressing the distinct kinesiological and health needs of dancers. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding enthusiast, understanding the fundamentals of dance medicine can significantly enhance your training and overall well-being.
Why Dancers Demand a Distinctive Approach
Dance necessitates an unparalleled level of strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. The objectives concerning elements like joint range of motion, muscle length, balance, and strength extend beyond the conventional values emphasized in a typical Doctoral of Physical Therapy curriculum. Consequently, treating dancers efficiently and setting appropriate goals requires the expertise of a medical professional well-versed in dance.
Common Injuries Encountered in Dancers
Ankle/Foot: Ankle sprain, Achilles tendinitis, ankle impingement, hammer toe, trigger toe, metatarsal fracture, sesamoid fracture, ankle impingement.
Knee: Patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Hip: Snapping hip (hip flexor or ITB), hip impingement, labral tear, hip flexor tendonitis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Back: Soft tissue strain, muscle spasm.
Nurturing Relationships With Dance Medicine Practitioners
Dance medicine professionals typically engage with local studios and universities to establish their presence within the community. Dancers stand to benefit by attending workshops or informational sessions hosted by these professionals to foster trust and understanding. Drawing from personal experience, during my tenure at NYCB, I observed performing arts PTs cultivating enduring relationships with dancers spanning their adolescence to their professional careers. Additionally, the resources listed below can aid in researching dance medicine professionals in your vicinity.
Dance Medicine Resources
How can you delve deeper into the dance medicine community or offer support? Explore the following organizations:
International Association of Dance Medicine: IADMS
Locate a provider through IADMS: Find a Provider
Performing Arts Special Interest Group: PASIG Resource Page
Performing Arts Medicine Association: Artsmed
Connect with Us
If you're local to Saratoga County, you can find us at the following locations:
Physical Therapy: In Motion Integrative PT in Saratoga Springs, NY
Pilates (Carrie): The Dance Lab in Saratoga Springs, NY
Medical Therapeutic Yoga (Sarah): Saratoga Health and Wellness, Saratoga Springs, NY
Don't miss out on "DanceStrong," the Strength and Conditioning Summer Program we will be instructing this summer in Saratoga Springs, NY!
References
Khan K, Roberts P, Nattrass C, et al. Hip and ankle range of motion in elite classical ballet dancers and controls. Clin J Sport Med. 1997;7(3):174-179. doi:10.1097/00042752-199707000-00004
Common Dance Injuries and Prevention Tips. Published July 7, 2022. Accessed April 1, 2024. Hopkins Medicine