New Program Helps Dancers Get "Back on Pointe"

In the theater of a Broadway ballet, watching the silhouette of a ballerina as she glides across the stage, every movement looks as though the elegant ballerina is gliding on air. Little does the spectator know that her technique can cause strain on the most fundamental instrument she uses: her body.

Parkland Rehabilitation Services offers dancers an opportunity to get “Back on Pointe.” This new program addresses the prevention and treatment of injuries for dancers of all ages. “Back on Pointe” is a program geared toward providing dancers with stretching techniques, modalities, and technique modification to prevent and heal injury. “If you are a dancer, chances are your physical needs will vary throughout your dance career," says Elizabeth Sciola, Physical Therapist who specializes in the treatment of dancers. “With over twenty years of dance experience, I am able to coordinate a therapy program based on a particular injury, skill level, and style of dance. Having been a dancer myself, I am able to create a customized program tailored to each dancer’s needs to heal and prevent injury,” she added.

Common dance injuries include: back pain, ankle sprains, achilles tendonitis, plantar fascitis and patellofemoral syndrome. “Prevention is crucial to limit the amount of time dancers are unable to participate due to injury. By offering on-site educational lectures, injury screening, and prevention techniques, we are able to address the potential impact danc¬ing can have on the body,” says Sciola.

With Parkland Medical Center’s new program, “Back on Pointe,” dancers will gain better awareness about their bodies and their individual techniques and restrictions. This will give them the knowledge and techniques to continue dancing for many years to come. For more information about “Back on Pointe,” call Parkland Rehabilitation Services at (603) 432-9821.

Injury Prevention Tips for Dancers

Give your body time to rest from daily wear and tear. Maintain energy levels by eating and drinking adequately. Warm up and stretch before dancing. Wear appropriate and supportive footwear. Avoid dancing on uneven surfaces. Maintain good upright posture during everyday tasks. Strengthen your abdominal and back muscles. Stop activity if pain or swelling occurs. If pain continues, consult your physician.