PODIATRIST PROVIDES OFF-PERIOD EXERCISES FOR DANCERS

During the off-period, dancers can become deconditioned, says Frank Sinkoe, DPM, an Atlanta-based podiatrist. In other words, you lose musculature and endurance, especially in the foot’s intrinsic stabilizers necessary for strong pointework. While a degree of this is natural, becoming too deconditioned heightens your injury risk when returning to work.

 

Dr. Frank Sinkoe

 

Stabilization exercises help. Dr. Sinkoe suggests one-legged squats, as well as tendus or ronds de jambe using a tethered TheraBand or cable for resistance. Calf-raises on flat or on pointe, planks, push-ups, and foot-strengthening exercises (like doming) can be easily done at home. Dr. Sinkoe also encourages mindfulness in the studio. “The majority of overuse injuries I see come back to technical error,” he says, such as forcing turnout or pushing over too far on pointe. Make an active effort to self-correct throughout the day, being conscious of common errors and personal pitfalls.

 

Source: Kyra Laubacher, Pointe Magazine [10/20/21]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News