Physical Therapy for Dancers
Dance may look effortless, but it requires significant strength, flexibility and stamina, as well as hours of rigorous training. Dancers perform intense, repetitive movements – often for several hours a day – and because there is no offseason, dancers have little time to recover, increasing the risk for stress fractures and other injuries.
If you’re a dancer, the parent of a dancer or a dance teacher suffering from a dance-related injury, Capital Area PT can help her get back on the stage. Our dance physical therapists offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs for dancers, including hands-on manual therapy, pain management, taping and bracing techniques, and dance-specific training and conditioning exercises to restore mobility, regain strength, and prevent recurrent injuries.
Common Dance Injuries
While dance injuries can result from improper jumping or landing techniques, or performing a movement without sufficient strength or flexibility, the majority of dance injuries occur from overusing the joints and muscles. In dance, these overuse injuries typically involve the foot, ankle, leg or lower back. Common dance injuries include:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Trigger Toe
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Knee)
- Hip Impingement & Labral Tears
- Hip Flexor Tendinitis
- Hip Bursitis
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
- Stress Fractures
- Arthritis of the Knee, Hip, Ankle & Foot
Physical Therapy Treatment for Dance Injuries
Our dance physical therapists help dancers regain strength, flexibility and mobility after an injury, while also managing pain and preventing recurrent injuries. We start by assessing the injury and performing a series of tests to identify any areas of weakness or limitation that could affect the dancer’s stability and recovery.
After the evaluation, we create a customized treatment plan for each individual. These treatment plans typically include the use of ice, heat and hands-on manual therapy to manage pain and improve range of motion. We also provide balance and proprioceptive training, core strengthening and other targeted strengthening exercises, as well as stretching and aerobic conditioning.
Instruction on taping or bracing is often included, as is functional training on jumping and landing techniques to decrease impact and stress on the body and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Schedule a PT Appointment
Capital Area PT offers physical therapy for dancers of all levels, from youth sports to professional athletes, and we have five offices in the Albany-Glens Falls region. To make a physical therapy appointment in Malta, Saratoga Springs, Delmar or Queensbury NY, please call (518) 289-5242.