Dance specific exercise focuses on the physical wellbeing of dancers and performing artists. We offer specialised dance assessments and the treatment of injuries unique to performing artists.
At RMPhysio, we recognise the importance of seeing a health professional who can relate to the demands placed on a dancer’s body and importantly, who also knows what it feels like to be a dancer themselves. We understand that the show must go on and look for ways to work with you to ensure that you can get back on stage as soon as possible and keep performing whilst completing your rehabilitation program.
Our Exercise Physiologist, Rebecca Brown, has years of dance experience herself and aims to enhance performance when working with her patients. Her personal experience in the field has allowed her to build strong relationships in industry, with dance teachers and company managers to help provide a safe environment for rehabilitation and injury prevention.
The majority of dance injuries are classified as ‘overuse injuries’, with most of them occurring in the foot and ankle. The repetitive nature of the art means that a small niggle can quickly develop into something more significant.
Common dance injuries include:
- Posterior ankle impingement
- Stress reactions/fractures of the foot and lumbar spine
- Ankle sprains
- Medial tibial stress syndrome/shin splints
- Snapping Hip Syndrome
Identifying biomechanical issues, poor muscle control and patterning, strength imbalances, inadequate flexibility and suboptimal technique is vital to avoiding future injuries and enhancing peak performance. Ensuring the dancer understands their own body and the factors contributing to their symptoms empowers them to be active in their own recovery and prevent reoccurrence. Identifying underlying contributing factors helps to screen for risk factors as well as decrease time out of class and performances.
Our Services
- Pre-Pointe Assessment
- Pointe Shoe Review
- Pre-Pointe Strength and Conditioning Program
- Dance Exercise Physiology
- Tertiary Dance Screening
- Clinical Pilates
We have a fully equipped studio at RMPhysio with a dedicated space for dance assessments. This includes a ballet barre, Tarkett flooring and mirrors. We also have reformer pilates machines, a trapeze table, wundachair and gym exercise space, assisting in patient assessments, dance conditioning and rehabilitation following injury.
Pre Pointe Assessment (60 mins duration) $157
A pre pointe assessment evaluates a dancer’s readiness to commence training en pointe. The assessment considers age, training history, pointe range, foot/ankle control, intrinsic foot & calf strength, pelvic/core control, and ballet technique.
The main purpose of a pre pointe assessment is to identify areas which may need strengthening before progressing safely onto pointe. The assessment will look at all areas of the body including:
- Postural assessment
- Functional assessment specific to ballet
- Foot and ankle strength/mobility
- Core strength and control of the trunk with movement
- Turn out range and strength
Following an initial assessment most dancers will need to follow an tailored exercise program addressing areas that may need improvement before safely moving onto pointe. These are often exercises to improve intrinsic foot strength, ankle alignment, and calf endurance. These exercises can be done at home, but in some situations it may be recommended that exercises are done in clinic under the supervision of our Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist. We are also able to provide advice on purchasing the right style of pointe shoes for you and offer specific technique tips for ballet.
After completing your tailored exercise program we will review your progress in again in approximately 3-4 weeks. At this stage we can determine your progress and may amend your exercises to further improve strength or posture so we are progressing you towards the goal of safely moving onto pointe. Many dancers will start this journey 3-6 months before starting en pointe. Most importantly, we want to ensure that your body is ready, and you are safe, before commencing your pointe journey. And remember your exercises are not designed to just get you onto pointe, they are designed to MAINTAIN your pointe training.
Finally, you must confirm that your dance teacher also approves your readiness to commence pointe training. It is important that your dance teacher has the final say as they see you in the context of class training on a regular basis.
Please wear dancing attire including leotard and transitional tights so that your feet are visible, as well as your pointe shoes (if you have already purchased them).
Dance Exercise Physiology (EP)
(Strength & Conditioning Programs)
To an audience, a great dancer will make their art form appear easy, simple and effortless. However, as most of us dancers are aware, there is more to this than meets the eye. Whether you are training to reach career goals, or you are just starting out, the perfect combination of strength, flexibility, coordination, endurance and self-awareness are all essential to get the most out of your dancing.
We are excited to work with all dancers to help them reach their full potential. Whether you feel frustrated you can’t quite get your full split, float your legs into a beautiful developpe or bound into an effortless grand jete, we use our understanding of the requirements of dance, combined with the biomechanical and physiological knowledge of the human body, to make those changes.
Common areas of desired improvement include:
- Hip, foot and lower back flexibility
- Higher extensions
- Turn out range and strength
- Foot and ankle strength
- Power for jumps and turns
- Strength for male dancers (jumps and overhead lifts)
- Cardiovascular endurance
Initial EP Assessment (60 mins) $147
Health rebates apply depending on your level of cover
A dance EP initial assessment and conditioning program will enable us to discuss your performance goals and gain an understanding of your overall strength, current fitness level and any past or present injuries. This then gives us the necessary information to develop an exercise conditioning program that is tailor made to you and your specific requirements.
Follow up EP session (45 mins) $132 (30 mins) $116
Health rebates apply depending on your level of cover
Based on your initial assessment our EP Bec Brown will develop an exercise program specifically for you. All exercise sessions are conducted under the supervision of our EP to ensure you are performing your exercises correctly and comfortable with all the exercises prescribed.
Bec is also able to conduct dance and pre-pointe assessments and communicate with studios and teachers as to student needs. She is also equipped to help you with injury rehabilitation, strength & conditioning and mobility programs.
Book online or phone (07) 3161 2837 to make an appointment.