Dr. Danelle Dickson, a physical therapist who specializes in dance and sports, provides tips on dancing smarter and more safely at home during the Covid-19 pandemic or at any time.
dance injury
Dance and Weight Training: A Perfect Pas de deux?
Weight training. Doesn’t exactly fit into the ballerina image does it? But dancers could benefit from adding it to their fitness routine. Lauren addresses why and the common concerns dancers have about doing so.
The Long and Short of Achilles Tendon Health
Find out the best way to avoid lower leg and achilles tendon injury, plus learn how to properly stretch the achilles to promote tendon health.
Is Cross-training A Good Idea?
Lauren’s answer: a resounding ‘Yes!’ But don’t dancers have to be careful about getting bulky? See what Lauren has to say. Plus, learn the difference between anaerobic and aerobic activity and how intensity plays a role. And, discover how to decide if a cross-training activity is right for you.
Bowed Legs, Tibial Torsion, and Side Splits
A reader wonders wonders how bowed legs might be affecting her second position and side split. She describes a related problem with knee and ankle alignment, leading to my response which focuses on tibial torsion. I provide a useful group of links and tips for working with this rotational deformity. Plus we talk about turn-out and side splits too!
Getting Knee Deep With Dr. Craig Westin
Dr. Craig Westin is an orthopedic surgeon for the Chicago Center for Orthopedics at Weiss Memorial Hospital and medical director of Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet. He has worked extensively with dancers, skiiers, and is a team physician with the U.S. Figure Skating Team. Dr. Westin generously took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Dance Advantage about knee problems, proper alignment, pain, and injuries common to dancers.
