Dancer overuse is an unfortunately common issue that can limit both rehearsing and performing. While several factors can contribute, asking 3 key questions can definitely reduce the amount and intensity of dancer overuse injuries.
1. Am I going through a growth spurt?
Bottom Line: Longer arms and legs are harder to control without appropriate strength in the shoulder and hip areas. While many pre-teen and teenage dancers want to amp up dance commitments, growth periods are not the best time for adding more technically demanding routines. Stick to basic movements, build central strength, and once in better control, then more ready to step up the skill requirements.
2. Am I still getting over a past injury?
Bottom Line: Trying to push through a past injury that hasn’t fully healed is a recipe for future trouble. Better to take a step back, get proper medical care, and when more healthy, then push ahead with more classes and more intense routines.
3. How old am I?
Bottom Line: Absolutely the best evidence out there to reduce overuse injuries, and very easy to remember. If your age in years is lower than the number of hours of organized dance activities per week, your injury risk goes up in dramatic fashion.
With any dance overuse injury, an accurate diagnosis and step-wise, coordinated return-to-dance plan is essential.
Check out the following video for more details on how we can help with dancer overuse injuries:
