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I am a physical therapist with Pilates training and an interest in working with dancers. It seems like there are enough dance-related injuries to support this type of practice. Do you have any information that could help me with this decision?

Although very graceful with controlled movements, dancers are also athletes who overtrain and overuse their bodies. This can lead to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. In a recent review of all studies done on dancers between 1996 and 2004, most injuries were musculoskeletal affecting the soft tissues of the back and legs. More than 80 per cent of professional dancers will suffer some type of injury during their career. On any given day, the prevalence of injuries among professional ballet and modern dancers can be as high as 70 per cent. Almost half of all ballet and modern dancers report pain caused by chronic injuries. Sprains, strains, tendon problems, and stress fractures from overuse are the most common. Most of the injuries are minor and do not require time off. Many dancers suffer from more than one injury at a time. Injuries are not always reported and/or treated. Dancers report finding the most help for their injuries from physical therapists. But they do receive care from other specialists as well. They may see a primary care physician, massage therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, or osteopathic physician. Studies suggest that injury prevention and management may reduce total number of dance injuries and the related costs. And dance company morale was improved when there were fewer injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries are an important health issue for dancers in all settings and at all skill levels. There is a need for more research in the area of dance medicine. A physical therapist specializing in dance injuries could bring valuable information in the study of effective prevention and treatment of this type of injury.

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