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Dance Physiotherapy
Step up your dance game
Generally a dancer will only seek a physiotherapist's advice when they are injured. However, injury prevention is a big part of longevity
for the dancer. If you feel a little niggle that hasn't overcome itself within a few days, a physiotherapist can help this by preventing
this niggle turning into something more chronic. Dancers are also athletes, with demanding rehearsal schedules and performance cycles
that can increase your risks of developing musculoskeletal conditions. We also conduct pre-pointe assessments and help you get there.
Experienced Clinicians – Our team has worked with dancers of all skill levels and disciplines.
Evidence-Based Care – We use the latest research and clinical guidelines to inform your treatment.
Holistic Approach – We consider your lifestyle, goals, and wellbeing—not just your injury.
Supportive Environment – We take the time to listen, educate, and support you every step of the way.
Why is Physiotherapy important for dancers?
A physiotherapist biomechanically screens the body to see where the problem may be originating from. It may be a simple case of foot
posture, stance posture, or muscle imbalance. The therapist can recommend strategies to help resolve these and any ongoing issues.
Common dance conditions include:
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Our approach is hands-on and tailored to your needs, ensuring you not only recover but also gain the knowledge and tools to prevent future
issues.
Pilates for dancers
The benefits of pilates in dance have been recognised for decades and having been utilized by the likes of Rudolf Laban, George Balanchine,
Ted Shawn, Martha Graham, Rudolf Nureyev, Mikael Baryshnikov and more as a means of:
Physical conditioning and maintenance
Technical strengthening and mobility
Injury prevention and rehabilitation
The fundamental principles of the pilates method (Concentration; Control; Centring; Precision; Flowing Movement; Breathing) closely reflect qualities that all dancers hope to find every time they move. Focusing on core stability, strength and control through the body, pilates starts from the centre of the torso and works all the way out to the finger tips. With committed practice pilates will enhance efficient and effective movement and improve dance performance and technique.
What to Expect
Your journey begins with a thorough assessment where we listen to your concerns, examine your movement, and identify the root cause of your symptoms. Your physiotherapist will then design a personalised treatment plan that may include:
- Joint mobilisations and manual therapy including massage, cupping, or dry needling
- Tailored exercise prescription
- Strength and flexibility training with the option for clinical exercise therapy
- Postural correction and movement education
- Taping or bracing if needed
- Shockwave therapy
- Guidance for self-management at home, training and competition
We focus not just on symptom relief, but on empowering you to return to the activities you love—stronger and more confident than before.
Pre-Pointe Assessments
If you are concerned about choosing the right pointe shoe or find that your pointe shoes aren’t working for you, we can help by doing a specific biomechanical assessment for dancers. What does this involve?
- Postural assessment
- Strength and biomechanical assessment
- Functional assessment specific to ballet
- Ballet technique tips, with and without pointe shoes
- Assessment of pointe shoes (if already purchased)
Do I need to bring pointe shoes?
Yes, if you already have them. It is not necessary that you already have pointe shoes. It is common for teachers to request an assessment before the student goes up onto pointe to assess strength. The assessment will help prevent injury by providing the student with technical tips to improve their strength and alignment. It is also helpful as a guideline of what to look for when choosing the correct style of pointe shoes for the student’s feet.
What should I wear?
Please wear dancing attire including leotard, tights etc. Please bring your pointe shoes if you have already purchased them.
Student Discount
Revive West End is offering a 25% discount for equipment pilates for current Ausdance QLD members and tertiary dance students.