Dance medicine
Dancers are highly athletic, flexble and supple, they may be at risk of injury of the physical demands of their art.
About dance injuries
Dancers may suffer from a variety of musculoskeletal problems. These can include back pain (due to wear of the discs or facet joints) hip pain (due to femoral acetabular impingement or arthritis), bone pain due to stress fractures, ankle injuries and problems with the joints of the feet.
Dancers may also be prone to hormone problems, such as RED-S (relative energy deficiency in sport, formerly known as the ‘female athlete triad’). RED-S can cause a spectrum of physical problems, including the risk of bone stress injuries such as stress fractures.
Need to know
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Screening and Diagnosis icon plus
You will be thoroughly assessed and examined by your consultant. You movement patterns will be observed to look for any restrictions or strength deficiencies, and you may be sent for diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound scan.
If a medical problem such as RED-S is suspected, you may need to undergo blood tests and an assessment of your bone mineral density (DEXA scanning).
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Your treatment options will be discussed with you by your consultant. Depending on your injury type, a course of physiotherapy or osteopathy may be recommended.
Sometimes injection treatment (such as a guided corticosteroid injection) or shockwave therapy may be recommended. Occasionally, temporary rest from dance by be required, and your consultant will work closely with your therapist, coach or dance company, to guide your recovery.
Our dance medicine consultants
We have a number of sports and exercise medicine consultants who specialise in dance injuries, and can diagnose and treat a number of conditions as well as help you recover from an injury, enhance your performance or reach your training goals. Our dance consultants can also help with injuries to gymnasts and rhythmic gymnast athletes.
Our team of consultants often work closely with club or team doctors and physiotherapists and can refer you to specialist sports physiotherapists as needed.
Our locations
From complex musculosketal problems to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional care for dancers across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
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Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostics Centre
Roman House
296 Golders Green Road, Golders Green
London NW11 9PY
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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HCA UK City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1HT
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344