May is Physiotherapy month! Physiotherapy offers numerous benefits throughout a dancer’s career, from training and performance to recovery and longevity. At Pivot Dancer, our physios know dance. We bridge the gaps that exist between medical knowledge and the dance studio. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages for involving a dance physiotherapist in your support team:

1. Injury Prevention

• Postural and biomechanical assessments help identify movement patterns that may lead to injury.
• Strengthening and flexibility programs are tailored to support high-demand dance movements.
• Helps maintain muscle balance, especially between dominant and non-dominant sides.
• Protects hypermobile joints.

2. Injury Management and Recovery

• Provides targeted rehabilitation for dance-specific injuries (e.g., sprains, stress fractures, tendinopathies).
• Utilizes manual therapy, modalities, and exercise to speed up recovery and ensure safe return to dance.
• Reduces risk of chronic injuries by addressing root causes.
• Identifies dance-specific technique modifications to return dancers sooner and safely post injury.

3. Improved Performance

• Enhances joint mobility, muscle control, and alignment, contributing to more efficient movement.
• Increases core stability and balance, which are critical for complex choreography.
• Helps dancers optimize their body mechanics for strength and artistry.

4. Pain Management

• Addresses acute and chronic pain from repetitive movements and overuse.
• Educates dancers on body awareness and load management to minimize discomfort.

5. Psychological Support

• Provides confidence in physical ability after injury.
• Encourages a proactive mindset about health and body maintenance.

6. Career Longevity

• Maintains physical health and function, enabling dancers to perform longer and more consistently.
• Assists in transition planning for post-performance careers by preserving overall physical wellness.

Why struggle when you can rely on a dance physiotherapist to safely support your dance career, whatever it may look like wherever dance takes you!

Click here to book an online appointment with one of our dance physiotherapists.

To book an in person physiotherapy appointment with one of our dance physiotherapists, please go to pivotsmo.com and book with Hannah, Claire, or Dinah.