Dance Rehabilitation: Restoring Precision and Fearless Movement
The Distinction of Dance Rehabilitation
Traditional physiotherapy often treats dancers like general athletes, focusing only on strength. Our approach recognises that dancers require dynamic control, specific alignment, and functional force transfer through extreme ranges. Generic rehab often fails because it:
Ignores Biomechanics: Fails to correct the technical faults (e.g., sinking into the hip, rolling the foot) that caused the injury during rehearsal or performance.
Lacks Specificity: Doesn't train the body to stabilise in the positions unique to dance, such as full turnout, high relevé, or extended arabesque.
Undermines Confidence: Focuses purely on pain, leaving the dancer with "muscle memory" of injury and fear of re-injury upon return.
Our Integrated, Precision-Focused Recovery System
We use our comprehensive assessment model to find the true root cause, whether it's an issue with the foot/ankle complex, hip turnout control, or lumbar-pelvic stability.
1. Restoring Neural Control & Alignment
We use expert, gentle manual techniques to reduce neural guarding and restore immediate, comfortable range of motion. We focus heavily on re-establishing pelvic neutrality and core support—the foundation for all safe, powerful movement in dance.
2. Rebuilding Functional Turnout and Stability
Your rehabilitation moves beyond basic exercises. We utilise our Reformer Pilates and specialised equipment to train muscles in specific, turnout-based positions. This allows us to build the powerful, deep hip rotation and dynamic foot/ankle stability necessary for safe sauté and piqué work.
3. Performance Integration & Confidence
Our final phase integrates high-level strength with dance-specific movements, ensuring a seamless return to performance. We focus on:
Impact Tolerance: Safely reintroducing jumping and landing mechanics.
Movement Specificity: Training for the endurance and eccentric control required for partnering or long rehearsals.
Fearless Return: Restoring the mental confidence needed to move with thoughtless, fearless expression on stage.
Dance Conditions We Master
We specialise in resolving the recurring, complex injuries that challenge dancers in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and musical theatre:
Achilles & Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Tendinopathy
Hip Impingement & Labral Issues (often related to aggressive turnout)
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction & Lumbar Stress
Ankle Impingement & Recurring Sprains
Patellofemoral Pain (Dancer's Knee)