Whenever we see dance artists perform, we see grace, beauty, strength, and power. We can’t help but admire their agility and form. We applaud them for their dedication and discipline to perfect their craft.

What we fail to see are the years of training and sacrifice it took them to get to where they are. A lot of them have given and have gone through a lot to stay at the top of their game. Injuries go with the territory.

If you are a dancer, whether you’re just starting or have been in the game for quite some time now, it is best to know what types of injuries you are exposed to and how to go about them properly.

6 Common Dance Injuries and How to Best Treat Them

1. Spasm

A spasm is an involuntary muscle contraction. This usually happens when there is overexertion of muscular effort in a movement or routine.

Treatment: The best way to go about muscle spasms is rest. Allow the muscle enough time to recover. If needed, take medication and external treatment like ultrasound (or short waves), massages, and stretching.

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2. Tear or strain in muscle or ligament

A muscle or ligament tear is the breakage of muscular fibers. This is brought about by trauma or overload in an effort during a movement.

Treatment: For acute cases, avoid doing the movement that caused the tear. Apply dressing or ice and take proper medication as needed. Let the muscle heal before doing anything physically strenuous.

For rehabilitative cases, reestablish the muscle’s elasticity and strengthen the affected region for efficient recovery.

3. Tendonitis

This is the inflammation of a tendon from overuse but can also be caused by rheumatic disease or infection.

Treatment: Avoid any physical activity that can further damage or irritate the affected area. Take medication and apply physical means (heat and cold along with strengthening and stretching) as recommended. Let the affected region get enough rest without any need for immobilization.

4. Sprain

A sprain is a violent twist of the ligaments that cause pain and swelling without dislocating any bones.

Treatment: In a dancer’s case, it is usually the ankles that get sprained. For minor occurrences, some compressive dressing and medication will do. In more severe cases, a rigid immobilization of the affected limb may be required for a certain period.

5. Dislocation

A dislocation is the disturbance of connected joints or body parts from their normal position. It implies greater damage to the arterial of peripheral nerves which qualifies as an orthopedic emergency.

Treatment: Do not try to fix or even move the affected joint. Immobilize the affected part and immediately rush the victim to the nearest medical facility. A mechanical or chirurgical reestablishment and rehabilitation period are in order.

6. Fracture

It is the breaking or cracking of a hard material, in this case, the bone. A fracture may be caused by repetitive direct or indirect physical traumas or sicknesses and practices that take away from the affected area’s strength. It requires immediate orthopedic attention.

Treatment: If there are suspected fractures, immobilize the affected area and have it diagnosed. Depending on the severity, it may require surgical intervention or external apps like plasters and splints. Physiotherapy may be required for certain cases.

These common dance injuries are not career-enders; they can be treated. Proper recovery and healing can only take place if the treatments and specialist recommendations are treated with the same discipline and dedication in training.