Dance is highly demanding and requires extraordinary flexibility, balance, power and endurance. To properly execute movements, the dancer assumes positions that place excess stress on bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, thus leading to high injury rates. The majority of injuries are due to overuse or misuse with one third attributed to trauma. Young dancers, in their growth spurt, are particularly susceptible to injury. Anna Reiser, DPT at Progressive Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in the Irvine/Lake Forest clinic, is a life-long dancer who grew up in south Orange County. She earned a B.F.A. in dance and a B.S. in biological sciences at UCI. She obtained her doctorate in physical therapy from the nationally-ranked Northern Arizona University. She understands the complex movement patterns of dance and offers individualized evidence-based treatment programs combined with clinical experience for the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries.
Specialized physical therapy care for:
- Musculoskeletal Issues:
- Foot, Ankle, Knee, Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder & Hip
- Muscle, Tendon, Ligament – Sprain, Strains & Tears
- Analysis of Movement Patterns
- Manual Therapy (joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, MET) to restore alignment and address muscle imbalance.
- Strength Training, Conditioning & Stabilization
- Power, Endurance, Coordination & Motor Control Performance Optimization
- Concussion Rehabilitation
- Injury Prevention Programs
- Joint Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
5 tips for dance injury prevention
- It is important to warm up before dancing, however, stretching cold muscles before warming up can actually lead to injury
- Cross-training can help prevent injuries (i.e.: swimming, pilates, etc). Pilates can help develop and strengthen core muscles that are crucial for dancing. Swimming is an aerobic exercise that will help build endurance and compliments the techniques used in dance.
- Get a pre-pointe evaluation before starting pointe work. En pointe is very demanding and the body needs to have sufficiently matured with adequate bone development before proceeding. Other factors include: basic ballet technique, specific strength and mobility of the feet and ankles, turnout, balance, alignment, and core control.
- Avoid starting pointe too early (>age 12)
- Don’t dance through the pain. Get in touch with a health care professional to avoid serious injury.
If you are a dancer, please call us and ask about our
Complimentary Assessment Program for Pain, Weakness & Range of Motion
Contact Irvine/Lake Forest Clinic: 949.750.8499
Where Does it Hurt? We Can Help!
Low Back/Lumbar
If you have low back pain, you are not alone. At any given time, about 25% of people in the United States report having low back pain within the past three months. In most cases, low back pain is mild and disappears on its own.
Neck/Cervical
The neck is less protected than the rest of the spine and can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion often affecting everyday activities. For many, it is a temporary condition disappearing with time.
Mid-Back/Thoracic
The thoracic spine encompasses the upper- and middle-back region and extends down about five inches past the bottom of the shoulder blades. Although it is solidly constructed and relatively stable, it can also be a source of pain.
Shoulder
The shoulder is not a very stable type of joint and tends to be easily injured. Pain can arise from problems with instability or impingement of the soft tissue or bony structure. Injuries can occur while performing manual labor, playing sports, or very often by repetitive movements.
Hip and Groin
The hip is a ball and socket joint designed to withstand repeated motion, but can become damanged due to overuse or injury. A groin strain is an overstretch or tearing injury to the muscles of the inner thigh or front of the hip
Knee/Hamstring/Quads
Knee pain can restrict movement, affect muscle control in the sore leg, and reduce the strength and endurance of the muscles that support the knee. The most common disease affecting the knee is osteoarthritis.
Foot/Ankle/Calf
The feet and ankles work together to provide support and mobility to the body. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Calf injuries usually occur as a result of a sudden pushing off movement or from excessive over-stretching.
Hand/Wrist/Elbow
Pain in the hand, wrist, elbow or fingers is generally caused by repetitive motions, overuse, or an underlying condition like arthritis or tendonitis. It is a very common complaint. Injuries can also occur during accidents or activities.
Head/Jaw
Many children and adults suffer from chronic jaw and facial pain. Jaw pain can happen all of a sudden, or it can start off mild and become more intense over time. Identifying the underlying issue is the first step in treating this condition.
We Succeed Where Others Fail
What We Do...
Listen to our patients
Conduct comprehensive evaluations
Design customized treatment plans
Relieve pain, restore motion and function in quickest timeframe possible
How We Do It...
Patient education is stressed
Individualized home exercise programs
Continuity of care with the same therapist
Evidence-based treatments that are effective & safe
The Process...
Hands-on manual therapy
Stretching and strengthening
Postural control & muscle balance
Restore flexibility and movement
A Better Healthcare Experience...
Established 2004/Privately owned
Licensed physical therapists with advanced degrees
Functional outcomes rank in the top 94% nationally
Passion for excellence. Compassion for people.