Dance Physiotherapy
Dancers are some of the most challenging but rewarding patients we work with. Dancers require extremes in both joint and muscle flexibility as well as incredible strength and co-ordination to achieve the required technique of different styles.
Our physiotherapists offer pointe shoe assessments, tertiary dance council assessments and injury rehabilitation/prevention. We also help dancers improve their technique by looking at the problem (for example reduced turn out) from a physio point of view.
When you call the clinic, make sure you tell our reception staff exactly what you’re hoping to get out of coming to physio so they can book you in with the best therapist. For example, you might need a pointe shoe assessment, or you might want to see someone about improving your turn out, splits flexibility or arabesque line.
Pointe Shoe Assessments
Progressing to dancing 'en pointe' is a challenging exercise for a young dancer and can pose a risk of injury especially to the feet and ankles. Our pointe shoe assessment evaluates a dancer’s readiness to commence pointe training from a physiotherapy perspective. We don't just look at pointe range of motion (ankle plantarflexion) but consider the whole dancer. Factors such as tightness at the hip, poor balance, hypermobility and poor turn out are just a few things we look for in our assessment.
Please ensure that your ballet teacher thinks you are ready to commence pointe work prior to coming in for your assessment. Your teacher may have already noticed something (for example tightness in the ankle or toes) that they know will need to be addressed prior to starting pointe. If this is the case, please let us know as it’s important we work closely with your teachers. We’ll communicate with your ballet teacher after your assessment and through your treatment program as required.
