We all have this image in our minds: a graceful ballet dancer performing fouettés, rendering a round of applause with their effortless leaps across the stage. No matter how easy it looks, ballet is one of the most physically demanding art forms, particularly for the lower extremities. In the world of gravity defiance and graceful port de bras, podiatry can step in to assist you in your ballet journey.
At My Family Podiatry, we take pride in offering the best evidence-based treatment options for the athletes we care for. Here are some treatment options we often utilise for ballet dancers and their injuries:
Customised Strengthening & Stretching
We provide tailored exercises to enhance lower limb strength and flexibility, crucial for ballet dancers. This includes hip external rotation exercises like clamshells and standing hip rotations to reduce compensatory ankle pronation. We also focus on intrinsic foot muscle strengthening with exercises like toe spreads, arch doming and toe swapping to improve foot control and stability.
Pre-Pointe Assessment & Preparation
Before starting pointe work, we conduct comprehensive assessments, including muscle strength evaluations and, if required, weight-bearing x-rays. This helps identify any potential issues, such as weaknesses, bony blocks, and degenerative changes, ensuring that dancers are physically ready for the demands of pointe work. Custom toe separators and padding can also be used to accommodate individual biomechanics and prevent injuries.
Shockwave Therapy
This non-invasive treatment is effective for chronic musculoskeletal injuries, such as plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinopathy, common in dancers. Shockwave therapy helps stimulate healing in the affected tissues, allowing dancers to recover faster and return to performing at their best.
Manual Therapies
Our manual therapies include dry needling, massage, and joint mobilisation/manipulation. These treatments help relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion, which is essential for maintaining the flexibility and strength needed in ballet.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Ingrown toenails can be particularly painful for dancers. We offer both conservative treatments, such as proper nail trimming and protective padding, and surgical options if necessary, to alleviate pain and prevent infection. This ensures that dancers can continue training and performing without discomfort.
Corns & Calluses Debridement
Regular debridement of corns and calluses provides relief from painful skin issues common among dancers, who often experience these due to tight-fitting shoes and repetitive pressure on the feet. This treatment helps maintain comfort and prevents further complications.
Custom Orthoses
Custom orthotics are designed to prevent injuries and aid in recovery by providing proper foot support and correcting alignment. These are particularly beneficial for dancers who experience conditions like flat feet or plantar fasciitis, as they help distribute pressure evenly across the foot.
Custom-made Toe Separators and Padding
Healthy alignment of the toes and metatarsophalangeal joints within pointe shoes is critical for the longevity of a dancer’s career. Custom-made toe separators can help prevent bunion development, reduce friction between toes, and enhance overall comfort and stability in pointe shoes.
At My Family Podiatry, we are dedicated to supporting your ballet journey with evidence-based treatments designed to keep you dancing beautifully and safely. Whether you're just starting pointe work or are a seasoned performer, we’re here to ensure your feet stay as graceful and strong as your performances.
Comentarios