Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 6/29/2010

Question
Hi,
my daughter is a very serious dancer. she dances at a local studio and at a high school for the performing arts. She injured her lower back when she slid on stage in her Pointe piece. She of course finished the weekend of performances any way.  She has been to the chiropractor and he only provides very temporary relief. Any suggestions on how to best help her be back dancing pain free by Aug 30th would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Donna. I recommend that you call the chiropractor, or go in with your daughter and get your questions answered as to what exactly is injured - muscle, ligament, tendon - and ask what regimen of home care would get this injury healed. (icing, stretching/or not, restrictions).

Any doctor would say that she should not have continued dancing over the injury. This is correct, but, sadly, ballet dancers usually opt to risk increasing their injury rather than not dance. I feel like a teacher should intervene, but that's my opinion, and the damage is done.

There may be only temporary relief until healing has progressed, but she should be icing (wrap the ice pack unless it is fabric covered) per the chiropractor's instructions. She should also understand exactly what activities she should be avoiding if any, and exercises she should be doing for strength, when that is appropriate. Let the chiropractor know that you are coming in to pick his brain about every aspect of her injury and recovery. Give him/her a chance, but feel free to change chiropractors if necessary.

If you do have to change chiropractors, call around or try to get recommendations for a place that is familiar with sports/dancing injuries.

I certainly wish all the best for her recovery!