Abstract:
Through a review of literature and interviews with physical therapists specializing
in dance, hip and low back injuries common to dancers are described and options for
treatment are discussed. Injuries include internal and external snapping hip, non-specific
hip and low back pain, IT band problems, labral tears, hip impingement, and
spondylolisthesis. Depending on the site and severity of the injuries, common treatments
range from surgical to conservative (e.g. - manual therapy, exercise, Functional
Electronic Stimulation, iontophoresis). It is reported that most dancer injuries result from
overuse and are related to poor technique. All three PTs interviewed also note that
injuries are often a result of choreographic demands on the dancer and recommend
breathing techniques and neuromuscular re-patterning for rehabilitation.