Dance Physical Therapy for the Leg and Foot Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy

Abstract

In dance, great emphasis is placed on achieving maximal turnout from the hips. The ideal illusion of “perfect” turnout, 90° of external rotation in each hip, is rarely attained yet is regularly achieved with some knee and foot involvement. The practice of working beyond the physical limitations of the body gives rise, in part, to compensatory mechanisms or malalignment of the leg, foot, and ankle complex. Forced or poorly controlled turn out may promote abnormal or excessive pronation. Physical limitations that impair full usage of turn out and the subsequent compensatory mechanisms will be considered. Abnormal or excessive pronation is discussed as one of several etiologies in the development of leg, foot, and ankle injuries in dancers. Further, using plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy as examples, evaluation and effective rehabilitation strategies are described. Rehabilitation programs for dancers need to be carefully designed to normalize function and promote compliance. Therefore, the treatment programs described for dancers combine traditional rehabilitation with the correction of maladaptive techniques and specific information regarding modifications to the dance regimen during the healing process.

The Effect of Different Types of Warm-Up Protocols on the Range of Motion and on Motor Abilities of Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes and Ballet Dancers

“…The basic ballet movements are the plie and the turnout. These movements are the basis from which a lot of other movements, such as jumps and bouncing (Grossman, & Wilmerding, 2000). Dancers are known to have a good physical condition and shapely bodies, as well as a wide range of motion in their joints, which is a great advantage in many types of dances (Turner & Wainwright, 2003;McCormak, 2004).…”