PT Series: Dance Medicine
It all begins with an idea.
Dancers are dedicated one of the most beautiful forms of art that requires unique physical demands compared to other athletes. It only makes sense that medical professionals have collaborated to create a personalized approach to dancers’ kinesiology and health referred to as “dance medicine.” As a Physical Therapist and Pilates instructor with a growing dance background, I have grown a strong passion and continue to expand on my expertise in the field of dance medicine.
Why Dancers Require a Unique Approach
Dance itself requires an elite level of strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. The “goals” to consider for elements such as joint range of motion, muscle length, balance, and strength go outside the normative values that are emphasized in a traditional Doctoral of Physical Therapy curriculum. (1 Khan,K) That being said, it takes a medical professional with background knowledge in dance to efficiently treat dancers.
Common Injuries Seen in Dancers
Ankle/foot: ankle sprain, achilles tendinitis, hammer toe, trigger toe, ankle impingement
Knee: Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Hip: Snapping hip (hip flexor or ITB)
Back: soft tissue strain, muscle spasm
Building Relationships With Dance Medicine Professionals
Dance medicine professionals will commonly reach out to local studios and universities to have their role be known in the community. If they are running workshops or informational sessions, it is in a dancers best interest to attend and get acquainted with a medical professional that they trust. From personal experience, I have noticed performing arts PTs maintaining relationships with dancers throughout the entirety of their career! You can also use some of the resources below to research dance medicine professionals in your area.
Dance Medicine Resources
How can you learn more or support the dance medicine community? Look into the following organizations:
IADMS:
PASIG
Lifestyle Series: My Travel Essentials
It all begins with an idea.
The demands of travel continue to be the major culprit of tearing me away from my normal routines and rituals. As someone who deals with a history of digestive concerns and chronic pain flare ups, I always like to be prepared for the worst-case scenario on the go. With time and experience I’ve gathered a few essentials that I’ve found to make the demands of travel significantly easier.
*A disclaimer: All recommendations are based on my own personal experience. A number of the recommendations below are accompanied by a link where I earn a small commission off of purchases made via the attached links.
Nutritious and Packable Snacks
Comfortable Neck Support
Supplements
Digestion
Hygiene Products
Compression Socks
Topical Pain Relief
Hydration
