PT Series: Dance Medicine

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