With Over 600 Muscles, 206 bones and countless nerves, ligaments, and tendons in the body, it’s almost impossible for dancers to escape getting injured. Acute injuries, such as a sudden sprain or muscle pull, seem to happen out of the blue. One minute you’re dancing, the next minute you’ve hit the floor. Chronic problems, like tendinitis, develop from repetitive stress over time.

The knee is vulnerable to injuries that range from mild to severe, including meniscal or cartilage tears. Twisting your knees to improve rotation while rotating the hip less may place you at risk for meniscal damage.

Choreography that involves deep squats can also damage knee cartilage. At first, it may be difficult to tell if an injury is mild, moderate, or severe, especially if you rarely give in to pain. So, unless your physical evaluation indicates that you need surgery you follow: RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and rehabilitation, including hands-on therapy and exercises. You may also try other modalities like electric stimulation to speed up the healing process. If your knee continues to catch or cause swelling and pain, your doctor may advice an MRI for a more accurate diagnosis.

Regular knee strengthening exercise and proper care during training is very important. Consult your physiotherapist to chart out a specific exercise program depending on your body type.

Compiled By:
Physiosync, Bangalore
Dr.Shailendra Saxena (P.T.)
B.P.T; M.P.T Neurological and Psychosomatic Disorders
FIMT Certified Manual Therapist

Dr.Milan Chettri (P.T.)
B.P.T; M.P.T Cardiothoracic and Intensive Care
FIMT Certified Manual Therapist
physiosync@gmail.com