Return to Dance
I have spent a good deal of my career working with athletes and dancers alike.
While both require an incredible amount of strength and flexibility, dancers also require a step above as their form is also an art. It is incredibly important that the person treating the dancer understand this, and I do.
Before your first visit we will discuss your dance genres, lifestyle, home life, health and previous injury/treatments as well as what you would like to achieve with therapy. We will come up with a time and place to meet and you will receive paperwork to complete before your first visit.
Your first visit will include:
Paperwork
A quick review of the paperwork so we can address anything not discussed during our phone conversation.
Vitals Check
A quick check of your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at home to get a baseline. A check in your own environment without the stress of being in a doctors office will be more accurate.
Strength and Mobility Assessment
A thorough strength and mobility assessment is needed as I believe in a whole body approach, I will make sure to take the time that we have together to thoroughly examine all of the factors involved in your condition as well as make sure that you have both the strength and mobility to perform.
Special Tests
We will complete special tests associated with your symptoms to make sure that our treatment plan is the best fit for you.
In the last 15 minutes of your initial visit we will discuss and come up with exercises for home as well as a treatment plan involving frequency of telephone versus in person visits.
In Further Visits:
Return to Play
It is important to note that these tests build on top of each other so you have to pass one to do the next. Not every test is completed depending on the level of activity, type of sport/dance that you play/perform, and precautions from the surgeon. These tests are designed for athletes, however, because of the requirements placed on dancers many of the aspects of these tests still apply.
Functional Movement Screen
A pre-participation screening tool designed to identify compensatory movement patterns that are indicative of increased injury risk and inefficient movement that causes reduced performance.
Y Balance Test
A thoroughly researched protocol based on research done on the Star Excursion Balance Test. Demonstrates reliable results in predicting athletes that will be injured.
Squat Loading Symmetry
Determines if you are loading similar weight on each leg in a squat. Putting an increased weight on one leg consistently will fatigue it faster, leading to injury.
Single Leg Squat Test
A commonly used functional test of the hip and lower leg that also has an element of balance. Purpose: to measure the strength of the lower body, particularly the quadriceps and gluteal muscle groups, and the hip stabilizers. A single leg squat is a slow motion hop; running is a very beautiful version of hopping from one leg to another.
Landing Error Scoring System (LESS)
Assesses the landing portion of a jump for errors that will lead to injury. It is done with video analysis.
Tuck Jump Test
An assessment of both jumping and tuck jumping technique, it explores the coordination and power of the injured leg in comparison to the non-injured leg. It is completed using video analysis
Single Leg Hop Test (SLHT)
Measures the speed and power of the injured leg compared to the non-injured leg.
Video Analysis
Video analysis is a great way to pinpoint a movement issue potentially causing your pain and later to see a marked difference when comparing pre and post videos side-by-side.
