You are here:

Ballet/recovery after physical exertion

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/2/2011


Question
Hello,

I am dancing from 9.30 am to 9 pm everyday with 3 hours break in the afternoon.
I'm not aching but I feel I never have time to fully recover, when I wake up on mornings my muscles and tendons are still "tired" from the day before. What can I do to ease and quick recovery ?
Is it better to take cold or hot baths ? What should I eat ?
Would it help me to see a physio ? how often ?

Answer
Hi Julia. Here is some information that I think will help you...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2010/12/whey-protein-is-useful-for...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2010/11/muscle-building-foods-and-...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2009/01/ballet-and-sports-fitness-...

http://antiinflammatoryomegas.blogspot.com/2009/07/get-more-flexible-with-safe-s...

Hot baths are wonderful - but if you have an area that is stinging from fatigue, then ice it after a bath. 15 minutes is enough, though you can repeat an hour later. Eat lots of green vegetables, salads and good salad oil (omega 3 oil such as flax oil, walnut oil, olive oil, helps joints and decreases pain and discomfort.)

Definitely see a physio if you have any sharp or burning pain that will not resolve with rest. You are best to take one day off a week, tho' I know with dancers that falls on deaf ears!

All the best, Dianne  

Ballet

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.