FAQ

Does the clinic only treat dancers?

No. Our Physiotherapists are also experienced in assessing and treating general and sports injuries in people of all ages. Hence, the general public are most welcome to attend our practices.

Can I attend the clinic if I’m not a serious or full-time dance student?

Yes. No matter what your reason for dance training is, whether it be for fun, exercise or to pursue a career in performing or teaching, the clinic can assist you in recovery following an injury, or help you improve your dance technique by prescribing specific exercises aimed at increasing muscular strength, control and flexibility. We have experience in treating dancers of all abilities, from beginner to professional standard.

Will you tell me to stop dancing if I have my injury treated at the clinic?

It depends on the severity of the injury, however very few injuries require complete rest from dancing. As we have a thorough understanding of dance technique, we can advise you on exactly what steps to avoid to allow your injury to heal. We realise how quickly you lose your strength, flexibility and co-ordination if you cease dancing, so we aim to allow you to continue with some aspects of training while your injury recovers as well as prescribe exercises to maintain your fitness during the recovery period if necessary.

What does physiotherapy involve?

Physiotherapy is a professional, highly credible and natural treatment option aimed at restoring normal function following injury or to further improve function in order to enhance dance or sport ability. Physiotherapy involves first asking the client about their condition, then examining posture, joint range of motion, muscular strength, control and flexibility in order to diagnose the problem. Depending on the problem, treatment may involve manual therapy such as mobilising a joint to increase range and soft tissue massage, taping, using electrophysical agents such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation to relieve symptoms such as pain and spasm and prescribing exercise programs to restore strength and flexibility.

Why should I be assessed before commencing pointe work?

An assessment of the dancer’s technique before commencing pointe work is a good opportunity for the dancer and teacher to be confident the student is ready for the extra demands on the young dancer of commencing pointe work, with injury prevention the primary goal.

When is the best time to have my pre-pointe assessment?

For best results the assessment is done 2-3 months prior to the dancer commencing pointe work to allow any imbalances to be corrected early, thereby preventing injury.

What are the benefits of having a dance assessment?

A dance assessment evaluates a dancer’s flexibility, strength, balance and control with a view to early intervention and injury prevention. It includes screening of postural anomalies, eg, scoliosis and identifies any muscle imbalances or deficits in flexibility, stability and strength that could affect your technique. Exercise programs that are specific to each dancer are prescribed during the assessment.

When should I have a dance assessment?

It is recommend that you have a dance assessment

• When first starting dance
• During a period of rapid growth
• When hours spent training increase eg, the student begins full-time dance or enters a school or company
• Following a change of teachers or change of dance styles
• When returning to dance following injury