Just like all high-level athletes, professional and pre-professional ballet dancers need to ensure their bodies are fine-tuned. Their bodies are their instruments, and without upkeep, their intense amount of physical activity can lead to serious injury and dysfunction. Ballet requires a lot of repetitive movements: external rotation of the hips, eccentric loading of the Achilles tendons, hyperextension of the lumbar spine. A certain level of hyper-mobility is required to achieve the desired lines and turnout; on top of that, dancers need a high level of power and strength to perform big jumps and turns. Professional and high-level training ballet dancers go to technique class and rehearsals for hours nearly all day, perform on hard stages in pointe shoes, then return home with enough time to eat, shower, sleep, and get up and do it again. Maintenance is key to longevity as a ballet dancer; this is where physical therapy is crucial. When I was dancing professionally with ballet companies throughout the country, the physical therapists and physical therapist assistants that treated me backstage, at the clinic, and at the studio, were essential. I struggled with chronic Achilles tendonitis, which was treated almost daily with ultrasound, soft tissue massage, and taping by the physical therapy team. I recovered from a fracture of my 5th metatarsal with the help of physical therapy; I was meticulously taken through a rehabilitation program that allowed me to safely regain the strength needed to get me back on stage. I suffered many back spasms that would inhibit me from rotating or extending my spine; modalities like electrical stimulation and spinal mobilizations helped manage the pain and allowed me to participate in rehearsals with less restrictions. I also witnessed the benefits of physical therapy on my fellow dancers’ bodies, whether it was recovering from a trauma or managing a chronic injury; all to keep our instruments fine-tuned and keep us doing what we love to do.
Reigniting Life: Firefighter Scott Archer’s Inspiring Story of Recovery
December 6, 2016 was a day like any other for firefighter Scott Archer. He had no idea that this routine day would change his life forever. After suffering a life-threatening aneurysm, Scott faced years of recovery, only to have his progress stall. With the help of FYZICAL Westminster’s expert team, Scott regained his strength, mobility, and confidence. Read more about his inspiring story and how our personalized care can make a difference.
