Dance is a highly challenging and physically demanding form of activity and can involve many different styles of movement.
The dancer requires great strength, flexibility (ranges of movement), balance, control, co-ordination and position sense (proprioception). In addition, other qualities are required, such as expressiveness, versatility, fluidity of movement, aesthetics, and stage presence.
Dancers are both athletes who are artists, and artists who are athletes...
For example, it is important for the dancer to remain as active as possible whilst recuperating from injury...
Types of injury may vary between dance styles...
Patterns are also evident regarding the site of injury...
Our Specialist Dance Physiotherapist
Our specialist dance physiotherapist at PEAK Physiotherapy is
Sarah Joice...
As a physiotherapist, Sarah has worked extensively...
PEAK Physiotherapy Limited is listed on the One Dance UK - Healthcare Practioners Directory .
Sarah currently runs clinics in Garforth and Otley...
Warm up
The importance of an effective warm up cannot be stressed too strongly...
Global (large-body) movements...
Be aware of your body...
Remember:
- Early stretches are to wake up the muscles...
- Warm up exercises should build from slow to fast...
- Limit the number of grand plies...
- Start with small jumps...
Cooling down
There is a much higher incidence of dancers warming up...
An abrupt switch from exercise to a resting position...
An effective cool down may consist of some of the movements just done in class/rehearsal...
It is the dancers' individual responsibility...
Safe Stretching
Static
The range of movement available during a non-moving stretch...
Dynamic
This represents how much of the available range of movement...
Optimal flexibility is the result of good alignment and muscular balance...
A Word about Pointe Work
There is a common misconception that 12 is the age to start pointe work...
There is no disadvantage to a child commencing pointe work at a later age...
Pointe work should not begin until growth has settled in the feet...
It is important that all students commencing pointe work have a comprehensive programme...
Screening Programme
In addition to the treatment and management of acute and chronic injuries...
It can help to identify potential problem areas...
Within the assessment is an analysis of posture...
Advice and any appropriate treatment/exercises can then be commenced...
- Manual Therapy techniques...
- Exercise Therapy...
- Posture Correction and Advice
- Pilates-based Exercises
- Dance-Specific Training and Progression of Technique
