The World of Dance is Like a Candy Store

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sample different varieties…
If you looked at the world of dance and considered all of the goodies, you would see that certain varieties appeal to you more than others. It may be necessary for you to do a sampling of everything before you decide on what is perfectly suited. But once you do, you will stay with that selection for a very long time.
 
Twixt and tween…
There are many types of dance, and some have their basis in another type. Ballet, for instance, has been around for hundreds of years, and is the foundation for many other types of dance. Before making a decision as to what type of dance, look at why you want to dance in the first place. What do you aspire to, or do you simply want to dance for fun and exercise? Often, the answers to these questions will clue you to the type of dance that is right for you. So many possibilities:

• Ballet
• Jazz
• Tap
• Ball room
• Irish dance
• Line dance
• Hip-hop
• Clogging

Bend and stretch and reach…You should also consider the physical demands of the dance form that appeals to you. If you are not up to the rigors, perhaps there is a modified or lesser form of that genre that you would be more suitable. If you are determined, begin a conditioning program that allows you to gain strength and flexibility slowly so that you safeguard your physical well-being.

Regardless of what interests you, if you are a beginner, start slow. Give your body a chance to respond to conditioning and protect your feet with shoes that are appropriate. Dr. Boucher has a background in dance and has the knowledge to guide you in the right direction while protecting your health and keeping your feet and ankles pain free. Call her at (203) 238-3668 and let her treat your feet.

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Zumba - is it risking injury in the name of fun?

Maria Moline, instructor, coaches her Zumba class through the dance choreography in the Patch Fitness Center in U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Feel the beat?
Zumba is one of the more popular dance/exercise classes that provides cardio-vascular workout by combining dance movements and low impact aerobics. It was the accidental brain child of Colombian Alberto Perez, who one day forgot to bring music to his dance class. These classes set to upbeat Latin music provide an opportunity to burn calories and reduce body fat in a social setting. Many health benefits can be derived from any type of exercise activity. But activity carries with it the potential risk of injury to bones, muscles and connective tissue.

Zumba routines consist of a few repeated steps…
As the aging population picks up the beat in an effort to improve overall health and well-being, there are several areas for consideration. In the Latin inspired dance there are a number of moves that require your spine to twist or rotate, placing additional stress on discs.  If you suffer improper alignment or have posture problems, perhaps you should consider an exercise alternative. But for those who are insistent, the steps can be adjusted to very low-impact, and slowed down a bit to avoid sudden or sharp movements. In a class of 25 or more happy participants, no one will notice if you are making minor adjustments and doing your own thing.
 
Surface appearance…
The floor surface that Zumba classes are traditionally held on is concrete or a layer of wood over concrete. These are non-forgiving surfaces. Wood floors are preferable because they are easier on knee and ankle joints and are less apt to result in stress injuries. Because of the impact from floor and dance moves, athletic shoes may be the seemingly best choice. They provide the most cushioning, support and shock absorption, but they also may have too much traction, which hinders the pivoting and sliding that is required in the movements. This may cause you to select a different type of shoe, which does not provide adequate cushioning. Your best bet is cross trainers or a good pair of dance shoes.

Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your doctor…
Foot and ankle injuries are not your only concern. Your back deserves consideration also. As long as you have no restrictions or limitations set forth by your doctor, you should be fine for participation in Zumba class, just remember to:

• Select proper footwear

• Select a class that dances on wooden floors

• Start slow and build gradually

Call Dr. Boucher for all of your foot and ankle health concerns at (203) 238-3668. Then let your feet do a happy dance!

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/444395-zumba-safe-back/
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/zumba-fun-is-secret-ingredient-of-latin-dance-workout

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The Pain Of It All - How One Thing Leads To Another!

Three ballet dancers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What is it about dancers that make them go to extraordinary means to hide their excruciating pain? There are retired dancers whose personal stories are so horrific that their pain can almost be felt as they talk about their lives. Ballet dancers are notorious for pushing their bodies far beyond reasonable limits! They experience injuries to feet, ankles and beyond, causing pain that defies normal thresholds.

Your passion for the art of making your onstage presentation seem easy is commendable, but how does this justify the destruction of your bodies?

Pain is real and not just perceived.A fine line exists between temporary pain and career altering injuries. The real problem occurs when injuries are not taken care of, and the effects are intense because of a dancer’s reluctance to allow a label of injury. Thankfully there are new programs that are changing the “push through pain” philosophy that has been responsible for ending the careers of many promising dance artists. The focus is changing to much earlier intervention.

No port in a violent storm.As a dance artist, when you sustain a minor and easily treated injury, but refuse to ease up and allow time for your body to heal, the results can be a domino effect. A simple sprain can become a stress fracture, which is compensated for in other areas of the body causing leg, thigh and hip pain. You may also experience shooting pain into the lower back and beyond. By the time you admit to being hurt and needing help, multiple injuries need treating. This represents significant healing time before you can return to performing. Loss of range of motion and pain need to be investigated for an explanation and treatment when necessary.

Make a commitment!Loss of range of motion and pain need to be investigated for an explanation and treatment when necessary. Don’t let the injury situation reduce you to a painful shuddering mass. Call Dr. Boucher to schedule an appointment. She has roots in the dance community and will work to help you achieve foot and ankle health.

Take a break and a step in the right direction and call for an appointment at (203) 238-3668. She understands the physical and financial demands required of dancers and will work to have you whole and pain free.

References:

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/onstage/article/1243976-dancer-s-aching-body-of-work
http://blog.livearts-fringe.org/2012/08/09/dance-and-healing-the-broken-body/

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By Golly Laddie, the Feet Pain Me So!

English: Irish dancer Michael Flatley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Talk about pounding a lot of ground, Irish dancers’ feet take a real beating. Their feet are their most prized possession, requiring a lot of extra special care to keep on stomping that beat. So what would an Irish dancer do to keep their feet in shape so they don’t miss a performance?

One of the foremost necessities is properly fitting shoes. This rapid dance and beats per minute generate a lot of friction. If shoes are too loose, blisters form, and if shoes are too tight you run the risk of bone problems such as bunions. So like all dancers, lads and ladies of the Irish dance, need to prevent as many foot problems as possible by making sure shoes fit snug, but not tight.

Some of the foot concerns that effect lads and lasses of the Irish dance include:

• Blisters

• Bunions

• Corns

• Ball of foot pain

• Toe pain

• Ankle pain

Lots of products are available to assist the dancers in their quest to prevent and self- treat minor foot ailments. Since blisters are a big problem, dancers will cover sensitive spots with moleskin or band aids so that the protective covering gets the friction, not the skin. There are also creams and products that come in a stick form, which can be used on friction points. Solid stick deodorant can also provide a waxy, smooth coating to lubricate and reduce the effects of chafing. Pads and cushions help with ball of foot problems and spacers for between the toes help prevent bunions, corns and ingrown toenails.

Practice, performance and perfection are three words that Irish dancers seem to live by so they can dance. They are in training 365 days per year, exhaust themselves in classes and practice sessions all to gain the coveted eye of approval during a dance competition. The pain and torment they put their bodies through, so they can hopefully be part of a champion dance troupe, is difficult for a non-dancer to understand. When performing, their ability to forget the pain is even more amazing.

Dancers receive compassionate understanding from Dr.  Boucher. She is from the world of dance and understands the hardships dancers endure, their drive and determination. If you are experiencing pain in your feet or ankles, call Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668. You won’t just receive foot care, but you will experience it on a higher level.

References:

http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/adult-irish-dancing/foot-care-tips-and-tricks-keep-irish-dancers-on-their-toes-131762798.html

http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/pains-and-pleasures-only-an-irish-dancer-can-relate-to-133330558.html

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Dancing Through Time

Three ballet dancers performing a grand jeté jump (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is no shortage of injuries found in professional dance, especially ballet. Ballet seems to test the limits of the body’s endurance and range of motion capabilities. Most professional dancers will suffer an injury at some point in their career and miss rehearsal and performance time. The rigors of this art form often force dancers into early retirement. However, many choose to leave performing behind them somewhere in the mid to late thirties. 

Professional dance is a stressful occupation. It is stressful mentally and emotionally because of the constant pressure to win roles and maintain favor within a dance company. Dance is stressful on the body because of the rigors of the movements. Movements not performed correctly can stress the body and lead to injury. Even under perfect circumstances when moves are done correctly, the long hours and constant repetition, lead to over-use injuries. Often dancers are overworked due to long rehearsal hours and performance time is added on top of that.

What are some of the factors working against dancers and bringing them closer to the injury edge?

• Long rehearsal hours
• Mental and emotional stress
• Physical demands
• Cold working environment
• Hard floors
• Insufficient warm up time

Strength training is an important element of dance preparation. This begins at an early age to prepare the young dancer’s body to meet the demands of the performing art. It also helps develop the best possible habits. Warming up and stretching is a very important element in a plan to avoid foot and ankle injuries. Unfortunately, there are times when young bodies get pushed beyond their capabilities because bones aren’t sufficiently developed and hardened, and joints strengthened. Pushing too hard too soon can result in sprained ankles and possibly permanent damage.

Stress in the workplace is prevalent. Low income, few jobs and highly competition for those that do exist are some of the difficulties faced by dancers. Dancers tend to place additional pressure on themselves because of their internal drive and constant pursuit of perfection.

Dr. Tina Boucher is uniquely qualified to treat dancers. Having a background in dance herself she is able to understand the demands and hazards of the occupation. Call her at (203) 238-3668 for a thorough podiatric evaluation. She will work with you to help find solutions to your foot and ankle concerns and do her best to keep you at your performing peak.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_risks_of_professional_dance

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Don’t Let Your High Heels Fall Short

Salsa dancing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s amazing to go to a Latin dance or Salsa Club and watch the dancers spinning, turning and moving freely across the dance floor. They are doing it gracefully like they are not concerned in the least about falling off their heels. How do they do it? Practice, practice, practice and even that might not be enough.

Dancing in high heels is stately and elegant, but the shoes aren’t the most supportive and accidents do happen. Most shoes considered “high heels” are about 3 inches high and up. Many of them have narrow foot bed and spike type heels, which mean there is very little contact with the floor, and most of that is balancing on the ball of the foot. Too much time raised on your toes will place a lot of stress on that area and can result in ball of foot pain as well as calf pain.

The light, airy strappy sandals are not a good bet for durability. Often times the shoe construction is such that it creates pressure points on the foot, or seams and stitching are not finished in a manner that prevents abrading your foot. If you spend much time in this type of shoe, the fact that they allow your leg a stylish and elegant profile should only be secondary to comfort. For long hours on the dance floor, a 2 inch enclosed pump would offer a more natural foot position and better protection for your toes and more contact with the floor.

Strappy sandal type dance shoes offer no protection against turning an ankle. Sprains are painful and can cause missed time from work and leisure activities. If you do choose these for the dance floor, make sure they are dance shoes. Dance shoes have a metal shank that runs from inside the heel to the mid-sole. This prevents the heel from twisting if you do make a misstep.

Many people laugh at dancers and claim dancing cannot possibly be rough enough to equate to athletics. However, ask any dancer as they suffer the same injuries any other athlete does. Injuries include the following:

• Sprained ankles
• Ruptured tendons
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Pulled muscles

Dr. Boucher is uniquely qualified to assist you in selection of dance shoes and preventing dance injuries. Contact her at (203) 238-3668 and ask her for her dance shoe recommendations. Hopefully you won’t get tripped up while you’re out tripping the light fantastic.

References:

http://www.danceuniverse.co.kr/know/gentlesport.htm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070426002145AAfwf3o

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Saving Your Ankles, A Saving Grace

Sprained Ankle (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dancers are some of the finest tuned and strength athletes that live. If you don’t believe this, just try dancing around on your toes for as many hours a week as your training, rehearsal and performance schedules require. Not so easy, huh? Strength and conditioning is a major focus of dancers, but that does not mean they are immune from injuries.

Ankle injuries are common amongst dancers, so to stay in the game, so to speak, what can be done to protect this overtaxed joint and surrounding soft tissue? There are strategies for strength development and conditioning meant to reduce the risk of injury. The serious dancer is always in training in an effort to perfect their stance and form, allowing them to perform at the level that is demanded of them.

One of the most unattractive and weakest forms is when the foot is allowed to sickle. Instead of maintaining a straight line from the leg all the way through the foot, the foot is allowed to bend inward. It is unacceptable, unattractive and weak. This weakened position leads to ankle injuries like strains, sprains and breaks of the ankle.

The click on this link to go to a website that shows excellent visual of what a sickled foot looks like. 

In order to prevent injuries caused by weak positions, the dancer must constantly be using exercises to gain strength and control. This is not a quick fix, but needs to be worked on consistently until sickling no longer occurs.

There are five recommended ways to prevent ankle injuries and a dancer would do well to heed the following advice:

• Warm up – the muscles of body, feet and ankles have to be prepared for work.

• Develop strong ankles and skills – dancers must have strong muscles and ankle strength in order to perfect ballet moves.

• Properly fit shoes and proper flooring – properly fit shoes are close and supportive. Too large a shoe allows the foot to come out of pointe and can result in injuries. Proper flooring is padded to protect from painful ankle injuries. 

• The thin physique of the ballet dancer demands proper nutrition to maintain form and strength. Eat healthy and get the proper nutrients.

• When an ankle injury occurs, take care of it immediately with the proper rest and treatment. When you are ready to resume dance, wrap the ankle for continued support.

Dr. Boucher and her staff are ready to help you. Call her with questions and concerns at (203) 238-3668. Her medical expertise and knowledge of dance is sure to keep you in top performance.

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/11170-prevent-ankle-injuries-ballet/
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/1616?page=1
http://dancers.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=51274

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