Dance is becoming more popular especially with the advent of numerous dancing reality shows, not to mention popular dance based workouts such as Zumba. As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of dance related injuries.
This post will discuss tips to prevent dance related injuries:
What are some of the most common dance injuries?
Across the whole spectrum of dance there is little doubt that the vast majority of injuries are the result of overuse rather than trauma. These injuries tend to occur at the foot/ankle/ lower leg, low back and hip.
These areas are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries, including stress fractures, tendon injuries, sprains, and strains.
What causes dance injuries?
Dancers are exposed to a wide range of risk factors for injury. The most common issues that cause dance injuries include:
- Type of dance and frequency of classes, rehearsals, and performances.
- Duration of training.
- Equipment used, especially shoes.
- Individual dancer’s body alignment.
- Prior history of injury.
- Nutritional deficiencies.
How can dance injuries be prevented?
Getting and keeping dancers free of injury in a fun environment is key to helping them enjoy a lifetime of physical activity and dance. With a few simple steps dancers can keep on their toes and in the studio with a healthy body.
Dancers should remember a few key things to prevent injury:
- Wear properly fitting clothing and shoes.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Pay close attention to correct technique.
- Be mindful of the limits of your body and do not push too fast too soon.
- Perform proper warm-up and cool-down.
- Resist the temptation to dance through pain.
- Have niggles and injuries assessed and managed by our physiotherapists.
For more information regarding injury management or prevention contact one of the physiotherapists at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy.
