Why dance injuries are unique
MANILA, Philippines - Dance is an artist’s expression using the body’s movements. What makes it unique is that all physical movements are coordinated by a specific choreography and are paced by the music. The precision, fluidity and expression demanded by the choreography and music often place joints and muscles at risk for injuries. This is especially true in classical ballet, where the unique positions of turn-out and en pointe require dancers to perform in positions that are basically abnormal to begin with.
The Center for Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Dance (COSD) at the Makati Medical Center offers expertise in the understanding of dance injuries, as well as in their treatment, rehabilitation and, most importantly, injury prevention. This comes from years of experience in treating dancers from Ballet Philippines, Ballet Manila and Philippine Ballet Theater dance companies.
According to Antonio Rivera, MD Head of the Section on Dance, dance injuries are caused by a number of factors: those related to overuse, fatigue and excessive demands of choreography; those related to poor technique; and those related to inherent lack of flexibility and/or strength.
It is important that dancers’ health providers understand dance movements, even the choreography, in order to understand why the injuries took place, how to treat them, and how to rehabilitate and correct techniques to prevent recurrences of the injuries. Injuries are also unique to the type of dance: classical ballet, modern ballet, folk dance, exercise dance, as well as special dance forms like Flamenco dancing and belly dancing.
The section will develop training modules to develop expertise in the treatment of these unique dance injuries.
Tragically, this may even result in having to give up dancing altogether. He stresses that dancers are very stubborn, and will often dance through pain. It takes an understanding health professional to strike a balance between treating the injury yet allowing for the requirements of performance without worsening the injury.
For inquiries, visit or call the Center for Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Dance at the first floor of Makati Medical Center Tower 2 with tel. no. 8888-999 local 3188.
