Not only are dancers athletes, but some may argue that the extremely strenuous demands placed on dancers’ bodies necessitate that they be the ultimate athlete. The father of an aspiring five year-old dancer, I am often asked if chiropractic care has a place in the dance world. Chiropractic care can absolutely benefit dancers, both in treating existing conditions from overuse and in preventing injury. I utilize a combination of treatments and techniques, including Graston and Active Release Techniques (ART), when working with dancers and other athletes. It is not uncommon for dancers’ alignment to become imbalanced. Many may have one side of their body that is stronger than the other. After strain, overuse, and the daily wear and tear that dancing professionally puts on the body, this imbalance can lead to injury.
The publication Dynamic Chiropractic quotes New York City Ballet soloist Stacey Caddell on her experience with chiropractic care:
“The revelation that the body has the ability to heal itself, that chiropractic works with all things natural — nutrition, adjustments to stimulate the nervous system, and exercise, all makes sense. Chiropractic has been the single greatest gift to my career. It has kept me healthy, minimized the time spent being injured, and it has given me a positive, less fearful outlook on the physical demands of dancing.”
Chiropractic care may be used as a treatment method for dancers in a variety of ways, from correcting misalignment in the muscoloskeletal system and pelvis to alleviating neck, back, and foot pain. It can also aid with chronic Achilles tendonitis, sciatica, and joint pain in the knees, ankles, or wrists. I also utilize Graston Tecnique, a therapeutic technique which utilizes stainless steel instruments to break down scar tissue, stretch connective tissue, increase blood flow to and from the problem area, and enhance healing activity at the cellular level. Athletes of all types, including dancers, have received extraordinary results from incorporating this truly effective technique into their treatment protocols. Graston may also be used to relieve tightness in the muscles and ligaments which can be associated with overuse or improper stretching.
EPAT Shockwave Therapy, another unique treatment that uses a wave of pressure transmitted to the source of pain to increase metabolic rates and stimulate the natural healing process, can be used to treat foot and heel pain, improve circulation, and regenerate an injury. I was featured on the Dr. Steve Show demonstrating Shockwave Therapy, and I’d suggest your taking a look at the clip to learn more about this unique technology.
The benefits of chiropractic care for dancers are numerous. In addition to providing pre and postoperative care to dancers, it also may be used as a means of injury prevention, in many cases allowing a dancer to avoid surgery altogether, which can make or break a dancer’s career. An ongoing chiropractic regimen also keeps a dancer’s body aligned, the musculature and joints supple and loose, and the body more prepared to deal with the rigorous career of a dancer.
In conclusion, chiropractic physicians believe in treating the root of the pain, and not just proscribing a pill or a surgery as a quick fix. For dancers especially, mobility is important. A surgery that most would not find serious could ruin a dancer’s career, and time spent away from the studio can have a devastating effect on his or her training, rehearsals, and performance schedule. Dancers simply can’t afford to be off their feet (or their toes), and I believe that ongoing chiropractic treatment is vital to keeping a dancer pain and injury-free.
DASHA wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
About the Author: Shannon Russo-Pollack
Shannon Russo-Pollack (SHA) is the Founder of DASHA® and powerhouse behind the DASHA brand. SHA strategically works with medical, wellness and lifestyle professionals who have a like minded philosophy of total body health and well-being. Using her entrepreneur skills, healthy lifestyle and passion for fitness to inspire others.
