Dance Physiotherapy

Dancers require a specific set of skills and abilities to excel in their craft. It’s essential to undergo appropriate assessments at different stages of your dance career, and if an injury does occur, it’s important to see a physiotherapist who is specially trained and up-to-date in treating dance-specific injuries.

Ballet, in particular, is one of the most technical forms of dance. It demands that dancers perform on the tips of their toes, executing thousands of steps with grace and precision. For young ballet dancers, receiving their first pair of pointe shoes is an exciting milestone! However, the journey to mastering this beautiful art form is strenuous, requiring years of training, dedication, and discipline. This process can take a significant toll on the body, especially when proper techniques aren’t followed. Young dancers only have one body for life, which makes it crucial to take care of it.

As humans, we are not naturally built to walk on the tips of our toes, so it's vital to ensure these movements are as safe as possible to reduce the risk of injury. The International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) recommends that young dancers meet certain criteria before progressing to pointe. Using current research, we have developed a specialised biomechanical assessment aimed at young dancers wishing to advance to pointe safely.

What is involved in a pre-pointe assessment?

It is recommended that dancers do not begin pointe work before the age of 12. They should practice ballet-specific skills at least twice a week and have done so for at least 3-4 years prior. This ensures they have developed the necessary cognitive skills, as well as strength, flexibility, and technique.

The pre-pointe assessment includes the following:

Foot and Ankle Assessment: Evaluating the dancer's foot and ankle structure, as well as their range of motion.
Strength Assessment: Testing the strength of the dancer's feet, ankles, legs, and core.
Flexibility Assessment: Assessing the flexibility of the dancer's feet, ankles, legs, and back.
Balance Assessment: Testing the dancer's ability to maintain balance in various positions, including standing on one leg and relevé.
Technique Assessment: Evaluating the dancer's posture, alignment, and technique in basic ballet movements.
Comprehensive Report: After the assessment, the dancer will receive a detailed report outlining the results and any recommendations. This report can be shared with your dance teacher to provide further guidance.

Common dance injuries

While dancing on pointe can be a beautiful sight, it's important to recognise that it can also lead to injuries if not performed correctly. Some of the most common injuries resulting from pointe work include:

Ankle Sprains: A common injury that occurs when the ankle is twisted or turned beyond its normal range of motion.
Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bones of the foot or ankle caused by repetitive stress.
Achilles Tendonitis: A condition in which the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed and painful.
Plantar Fasciitis: A condition where the plantar fascia (a band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot) becomes inflamed and painful.
Compensatory Injuries: Injuries are not limited to the foot and ankle. Weakness, limited range of motion, or poor control in the foot/ankle can lead to compensations in the knee, hip, and back. If these impairments are not properly addressed, they can result in chronic injuries further up the body later in the dancer's career or education.

Many of these injuries can be prevented with correct technique and proper education. However, a dance physiotherapist is trained to diagnose and manage these conditions. If you or your young dancer is experiencing pain or discomfort during training, don't hesitate to come see us.

Additional Services Offered

1. Dancer Foot and Ankle Assessments

This one-hour assessment uses current research to evaluate baseline function and strength. It is most valuable for dancers who are not currently injured. During the assessment, your physiotherapist will examine commonly irritated structures in the foot and ankle to determine whether you are at risk of developing an injury in this area. The assessment also includes strength testing, which compares your left and right sides and identifies any deficits. After the assessment, you will receive a detailed report with strength exercises and recommendations tailored to your results.

2. Dancer Hip and Knee Assessments

This one-hour assessment uses current research to evaluate baseline function and strength. Like the foot and ankle assessment, it is most beneficial if you are not currently injured. During the session, your physiotherapist will assess commonly irritated structures in the hip and knee to determine whether you are at risk of developing an injury. The assessment includes strength testing, comparing your left and right sides to identify any imbalances. After the assessment, you will receive a detailed report with strength exercises and recommendations based on your results.

Dance
Physiotherapy