Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)  

A musical theatre performer contacted us for help with rehab after their surgery to repair a ruptured ACL. They needed an enhanced rehabilitation program tailored specifically for dancers, including consultations with a specialist dance physician, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and advice on strength and conditioning.

We negotiated a preferential rate from the provider. This made the treatment accessible to the dancer, who was able to return to their stage career after 4 months of intensive work. We monitored the treatment and milestones achieved, and gave motivational help to cope with the pain and the frustration of not being able to perform.

Lower Back Pain

There are many different causes of back pain, and this story illustrates the importance of getting an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment. A 25-year-old male noticed a sudden spasm during class in his lower back, which was aggravated when box splits were performed, and during extension work. Ice, heat and painkillers gave only temporary relief. He stopped going to class for 4 weeks, but continued Pilates, specific back strengthening exercises and  cycling to maintain his fitness. Despite seeking medical help from a number of non-dance specialists over the following months, his symptoms continued. 

The dancer contacted us and was given an appointment with the dance medicine consultant. The consultant reviewed the MRI and identified a transition vertebra (an irregularly shaped vertebra), which was leading to an imbalance in the core muscles affecting the biomechanics in a particular way. This information was passed to the physiotherapist who could then tailor a set of exercises for the dancers rehabilitation taking into account the slight asymmetry of the spine. Armed with this knowledge the dancer was reassured that a return to dance was entirely feasible and was pleased to know what he could to do to hasten his recovery.

The dancer has returned to class, he is recommencing training and looking forward to auditioning pain free.

[Photos by Jaye R. Phillips, of the Boston Ballet.] The photo is NOT of the dancer in the narrative.

Ruptured Achilles Tendon

A dancer phoned us in great distress having ruptured her Achilles tendon whilst performing abroad. The emergency surgery had been completed abroad and she returned to England with no package of care, support or follow up.

We were able to put her in contact with a sports physician who oversaw her intensive and specialist rehabilitation. We negotiated a preferential rate and helped to fund it. We were in regular contact with both the dancer and the medical team to provide support and motivation, and monitor her progress.

She was ahead of her milestones in terms of her treatment goals and we are delighted to say has returned to the stage in the West End!

Broken Toe

A 17-year-old full time dance student contacted us after an X-ray showed he had broken his toe and was worried about the impact it would have on his course. We were able to prepare him with focused questions to discuss the best course of treatment with his practitioner. We gave advice on strength and conditioning to maintain his fitness and readiness for dance whilst his toe healed.

His GP was happy to provide physiotherapy as requested and the student returned safely to his dance training with no deficit. 

Ankle Impingement

A freelance dancer working across the UK and Europe developed impingement following several ankle sprains. An X-ray revealed the dancer had os trigonum (See the Info Sheet below) and was waiting for an injection. She contacted us to help with rehab after the injection, and we were able to negotiate a discounted rate for her treatment. We located a suitable dance and sport Physio specialist close to her home. Her symptoms were reduced initially with treatment however her long-term prognosis has lead to investigating surgical options with a dance ankle specialist. We will be involved with her postoperative physio.

24% of clients contacting us at Dance Again Foundation have had problems with their ankle, of which half have had impingement. Check our educational resources page for a great information sheet on ankle impingement.