A N E W monthly newsletter designed to share our 28 years of expertise, advice
and resources with dancers &
parents of ALL ages!
 

PROTIP # 2

4 Common Dance Injuries

with Treatment & Prevention Options

#1- STRAIN

A strain refers to injury of a muscle.  Strains can be acute or chronic by nature and damage the soft tissue of muscle.  Muscle strain injuries are most common in the pelvic and hip regions of the body but are also common in the back area in dancers.  

#2- SPRAIN

A sprain refers to damage to a ligament.  Sprains are categorized as level 1, level 2 or level 3 depending on the severity of the ligament tear from the bone.  Ankle sprains are one of the most common acute or traumatic injuries seen in dancers. 

#3- STRESS FRACTURE

Stress fractures are injury to bone tissue and commonly occur in the foot and/or lower leg bones of dancers.  The most common injury site in dancers is the second metatarsal bone of the foot, followed by the fibula or lower leg bone.  Stress fractures are often overlooked by both dancers and doctors. This is due to the injury remaining undetected on X-Rays for typically two weeks after the fracture occurs.

#4- TENDINITIS

Tendinitis refers to the swelling of a tendon (the tissue that connects muscle to bone) due to microscopic tearing of the fibers.  This tearing is caused by overload to the tendon.  Tendonitis is most common in the ankle and foot region of dancers with Achilles tendinitis in the lead.

WHY DO THESE INJURIES OCCUR?

Most injuries in the dance world are chronic or overuse in nature.  Sprains are the only injury listed above considered acute in nature.  Treatment for all of the above follows R.I.C.E. - rest, ice, compression and elevation.  Rest is the most difficult aspect of the treatment plan for dancers to follow.

HOW CAN WE PREVENT THEM?

The main source of injury prevention in dance is PROPER TRAINING and ALIGNMENT! Dancers (and parents of dancers) should be educated in these areas to ensure that the studio they train at focuses on strong anatomical alignment and technique. With the correct training and rest, dancers are capable of long, fulfilling careers. 
 

Join us next month to learn about
The Importance of Stretching

ProTip Advisor- Christina Tasco

Christina holds a Masters degree in Exercise Science. In addition to being an EDD dancer alum, she is currently the EDD Rochester Business Manager and a Special Lecturer at Oakland University.