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Working on your knees
In this video Lisa discusses why working on your knees is needs to be thought about very carefully, should be approa... -
What is Fascia?
What is Fascia? Fascia. It’s trending in the medical world at the moment and is becoming more and more importa... -
Why we should avoid pointing into a Theraband
Pointing the foot into a Theraband is often given to dancers worldwide as an exercise to ‘strengthen their feet’. Wh... -
When can I go en pointe?
Ballet dancers young and old often see the progression onto pointe as a rite of passage in their dancing career. How... -
Taping for Bunions
Many dancers (and often their parents) are devastated if they start developing unsightly and painful damage to their... -
Cracking Joints in Hypermobile Dancers
I read with interest your article on cracking joints and was wondering if the same philosophy and warning applies to... -
I’m Injured and Need Help!
“Will I Ever Dance Again…?” Most dancers will utter these words at least once during their career. It’s often the fi... -
Do You Want To Get More Flexible?
Did you know that stretching your muscles is one of the slowest and most dangerous ways of getting more flexible? Th... -
The Overstretching Issue Hits Mainstream Media on the ABC
Last night Lisa was featured in a special segment on the ABC in regards to the risks of overstretching in young danc... -
The Importance of Crawling
In many of my recent workshops with dance teachers all over the world I have raised the potential issues related to ... -
A New Approach To Core Stability
Woo hoo! Its Finally Here! After I took our old core stability book off the market almost 18 months ago, we have had... -
The Oversplit Leg Mount
One particular stretch that has been popping up more and more in my Instagram and Facebook feeds that has me very, v... -
Les étirements excessifs en seconde Quels sont les risques ?
Les étirements excessifs en seconde Quels sont les risques ? Oversplits in Second – What are the Risks? LISA HOWELL ... -
Is Over Stretching Bad?
Many dance teachers, concerned parents and health professionals are struggling with what they see going on in the da... -
Oversplits in Second – What are the Risks?
One of the most common positions I see young students trying to achieve in order to get more flexible is oversplits ... -
How external rotation at the hip affects which muscles are active during abduction
Lisa, I can’t seem to find any literature that addresses the question of how (outward) external rotation at the hip... -
How to maintain cardio fitness while injured
Dear Lisa, I am a dancer in Singapore. I have dislocated my patella 4 times and have done serious cartilage damage a... -
Dance Teacher Intensive Members Area Now Live!
If you have been one of the teachers or health professionals that has attended one of my two or three day intensive ... -
How to Treat Spondylolisthesis in Dancers
Dear Lisa, A friend of mine recommended I contact you as my 12 year old daughter has been diagnosed with a Bilater... -
Can the “Will I Ever Dance Again?” program be used for knee injuries?
We often get asked the question “Can the Will I Ever Dance Again program be used for knee injuries?”, an... -
How certain drugs can affect your Achilles Tendon
Today’s post is from a concerned dance teacher in response to our previous post on Tight Calves, however her i... -
Are you getting the right rehab for your injury?
Hi Everyone, Last night I had a SKYPE call that on one level was lovely, and on another made my blood boil… On... -
Demi Pointe Shoes – Are they necessary?
Good morning lovely Lisa!! Just wondering if you have any info/data on the use of demi pointe shoes in classical bal... -
Floor Barre Set Up
Floor barre is a fantastic way of maintaining core, hip, and foot control whilst not bearing weight down though you... -
Exercises for Tight Calf Muscles
So many of our clients struggle with tight calves, either temporarily (like when training for a performance) or more... -
#PayTheDancers – What are you worth?
This week has been enormous in so many areas of dance, but the one that captured me so much was the global issue of ... -
How To Get More Pointe Range
Hi Guys, So many dancers want to know how to get more pointe range, so I am collecting all of the info that we have... -
FHL Tendinopathy
Flexor Hallicus Longus is a tendon that can become irritated and inflamed due to a combination of its location and f... -
What is an Os Trigonum?
An Os Trigonum is a small extra bone at the back of the ankle that is present in a small proportion of people. It ma... -
What Product Is Best For Me?!
Thank you so much for your interest in the products that we provide. There are a lot to choose from, and many people... -
NEW! – Live Video Calls with Lisa!
Don’t you just love it when you try something new, and something even more amazing than what you expected comes out ... -
What is “Relative Rest”?
Many people are terrified of admitting an injury because they will have to take “time off”. This is usually associat... -
The Ultimate Rehab Program For Dancers
Many dancers contact us due to the struggles that they have had with finding the right practitioner, and getting int... -
Lisfranc Injury – To have surgery or not?
Hello Lisa! Firstly, can I just say how great it is to see you producing materials which have the potential to provi... -
Shay’s Story
Shayarne Matthesons dream of a career looked like it had ended when she injured her foot badly in a regular m... -
Will I Ever Dance Again? Coming Soon!!!!
This is the story of a young dancer pursuing her dream of becoming a professional dancer in Europe, who had to retur... -
Get your FREE PDF on “The Top 10 Elements of the Ultimate Rehab Program for Dancers”
Today I have something very, very special for you… By far the most questions that we get through The Ballet Bl... -
Don’t Have A Dance Physio? Don’t Worry!
We are well aware that many people in the world don’t have access to a Physiotherapist who specializes in trea... -
Regaining Shape & Strength Post Pregnancy
Hi Lisa, I’m 31 and started Ballet two years ago. I took a break from it July last year when I was pregnant an... -
Brand New Dance Injury Videos on The Ballet Blog
By far the majority of the questions that we get from readers are ones about how to deal with, and recover from inju... -
How To Get A Correct Diagnosis
This video on “How To Get A Correct Diagnosis” is the second in our series of videos designed to help yo... -
How To Treat A Dance Injury
Everyone’s had one of those moments where you come down on your foot wrong in class or worse yet, you’re... -
Pointe Exercises – Preparation for rises and prances en pointe
This is a great way to begin working in new shoes, and if you are a beginner, an essential exercise to get the feel ... -
Fitting Pointe Shoes – A Pointe Shoe Fitter’s Perspective
At the IADMS Conference (International Association for Dance Medicine & Science) having a chat with Laynie Turba... -
The Dangers Of Teaching Yourself Pointe Work
Just a quick video to explain the dangers of working en pointe without supervision. Far too many girls are posting v... -
How do I Control Flexible Feet on Pointe?
Hi Lisa, I am teaching a girl who has really gorgeous flexible feet but she is finding it really hard not to go too ... -
How Can I Improve My Pirouettes?
Hey Lisa! I started ballet when I was 4 years old. I’m now 17. I still can’t do a double pirouette and ... -
Do Toe Pads Affect The Amount Of Strength Gained En Pointe?
Dear Lisa, Does the use of toe pads affect the amount of strength gained en pointe? In other words, if a dancer star... -
Is a lack of sunlight weakening your bones?
Do you suffer from recurrent stress fractures, or find it hard to build up strength? Latest research from the IADMS ... -
A Painful Bulge In The Inner Arch
This dancer developed a sharp constant pain on the medial side of their arch, and noticed a bulge starting to develo... -
Overcoming An Injury – Why Do Dance Injuries Scare Us So Much?
Hi Guys This week I have really been focusing on some of the deeper aspects of all of my clients rehabilitation that... -
Labral Tears in a Young Dancer
Hello Lisa, Would you give some advice on hip labral tears and what to do about them? My daughter is 14 and in a pro... -
Pain At The Front Of The Hip – Sartorius & Psoas Strain Causes and Fixes
Hi Lisa, I looked through your articles and don’t see any discussion on sartorius strains or injuries. I have ... -
What is A Mortons Neuroma?
Although the word neuroma means “Tumour of a nerve” a Mortons Neuroma is not actually a tumour. A Mortons Neuroma is... -
How To Fit Pointe Shoes Correctly Video
Ever wondered why some girls look like their point shoes were made for them? It all comes down to knowing what to lo... -
Perfectionism, Honesty, and Knee Pain (odd title I know!)
Hi Guys Its been another crazy week here, but in beautiful kind of way. Seems the shifting, changing and evolving ju... -
Tightness Behind The Knee
Hi Lisa, I was lucky enough to attend your workshop when you were in the UK. I have used the exercises with both adu... -
The Body Is A Metaphor For Life
I had the absolute pleasure of going back to NZ for the weekend, and despite several rather unsettling earthquakes t... -
Reduced Flexibility
THE QUESTION: The question that we’ve got for you today is actually from a non-dancer who’s been interested i... -
Pain in the Big Toe Causing Restricted Pointe Range
THE QUESTION: “Hi Lisa! My daughter age 13 does a lot of ballet hours each week. She has developed a very stiff and ... -
Foot Surgery in Dancers – Removal of the Plantar Fascia?!
Foot Surgery in Dancers? This weeks question is from a reader who has been recommended to have surgery on her foot t... -
The Impact of Flooring on Dance Injuries
I often get asked about the impact of flooring on injuries in dancers, and as there are so many things that can come... -
Being Bow Legged
“Hi Lisa! I have a question on being bow legged. Is there any way you can hide being bow legged because it interfere... -
Kirsten, Abbie and Jemima’s Workshop Story
Kirsten, Abbie and Jemima’s Workshop Story Dear Lisa. It was such a thrill to meet you at the Training Turnout... -
Scoliosis
Many people get told they have a scoliosis and get quite worried about what it means for not only their dancing but ... -
What Classes Are Available?
Most of the courses are based around one of our resources, such as the Front Splits Fast Flexibility Program, and al... -
Should My Daughter Go Full-Time?
My daughter is 14 years old and has been pushing both her father and I in the decision to go into full-time dancing ... -
Problem Dance Teachers
My daughter often comes home in tears from ballet complaining that her teacher is picking on her and never gives her... -
Are Eisteddfods Important?
My daughter has recently started at a school where they do a lot of eisteddfod competitions. She never did this at h... -
Preparing For Rejection
I know that dancers have a tough time coping with rejection and dealing with losses at competitions. How can I help ... -
Changing Dance Schools
My daughter is feeling isolated in her new dance school. She has moved from another, smaller and friendlier school t... -
My Daughter Has A Distorted Body Image
My daughter is very thin and sees even slight lumps of skin as huge rolls of fat. How do we help her see how beautif... -
Dealing With Rejection
My daughter has been applying for companies, but nobody wants her. She has worked all her life for this and is now d... -
My Daughter Is Injured & Depressed
My daughter has been injured and been on reduced hours of dancing for several months. She is devastated and feels th... -
My Daughter Gets Bad Nerves
My daughter makes herself so nervous before she goes on stage. She is a beautiful dancer but freezes up right before... -
My Daughter Is A Perfectionist
My daughter is the ultimate perfectionist. Even when she does a flawless performance she thinks that she is terrible... -
Heel Pain
My daughter gets lots of pain on the back of her heels when she dances and does gymnastics. Sometimes just walking i... -
My daughter Has Been Diagnosed With Osgood Schlatters Disease
My daughter has been diagnosed with “Osgood Schlatters Disease.” The Doctor didn’t really explain what it was, and s... -
Fatigue, Frustration and Moodiness
My daughter seems to be constantly tired and moody. She has also been getting frustrated as no matter how hard and l... -
Pre-Professional Hours
How many hours of dance should my daughter be doing each week? She is ‘pre-professional’ and is 13. She would love t... -
Are Leg Weights Okay?
My daughter’s dance teacher asked us to buy leg weights for her to work with in some classes but she has been ... -
My Daughter Is Hypermobile
My daughters dance teacher said that she is “Hypermobile” What is this, and what does it mean for her as a dancer? A... -
Young Dancers Stretching Each Other
My daughter and her friend were stretching each other the other day and some of it looked a little crazy. Should the... -
My Daughter Is Losing Flexibility
My daughter used to be really flexible but now she really struggles to get her legs above 90 degrees. What has happe... -
Young Dancers Developing Breasts
My daughter (10 years old) is starting to develop breasts and is very worried about this in ballet. All of her frien... -
Headaches & Growing
My daughter has started getting lots of headaches in the last 6 months and she is 14, we have had her eyes tested an... -
Growing Timing
My daughter is getting really worried. She is almost 14 and still hasn’t really grown much. All of her friends tower... -
Pointe Shoe Padding
Hi Lisa, Your URGENT thoughts on this new product would be appreciated! A student from another school has come over ... -
Young Dancers Skipping Meals
My 13 year old daughter has always been a little on the bigger side but has recently lost a lot of weight, and seems... -
Is it true that a lot of dancers have eating disorders?
Is it true that a lot of dancers have eating disorders? I will not lie and say that eating disorders are not common... -
What is the low GI diet, and is it good for dancers?
The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a way of ranking food based on the effect they have on the glucose levels in the body. C... -
Supplements For Young Dancers
I have read a lot about athletes taking extra multi-vitamins, protein and calcium. Should my daughter be taking any ... -
My daughter seems to live on Diet Coke. Is this bad for her in the long term?
Many girls drink Diet Coke, or other soft drinks, frequently during the week. This has now become the norm, so it ma... -
Injured Dancer’s Diet
My daughter has injured her back and is off dancing at present (She is 15). She is terrified of putting on weight as... -
Food on the Go and Controlling Bloatedness
My daughter often has to grab food on the go, and is at dancing for hours on end at the weekends. What should she ea... -
What is Dysfunctional Nutrition?
While ‘Optimal Nutrition’ is manipulating an already good diet to maximize performance and recovery, and ‘Good Nutri... -
How do I help my daughter see that she has options?
“Hi Lisa, My child is 14 and is heavily into dance. A few comments have been made recently that indicate that ... -
Chelsea’s Dance Story
Chelsea’s Dance Story I have always been just off the splits and just ‘that much’ lower in grand b... -
Chronic Hip and Back Pain in Hypermobile Dancers
One of the most common occurrences that we see in the clinic is Full Time Dancers with chronic hip and back pain. Th... -
Felicity’s Injury Story
Felicity’s Injury Story In October of 2009 I had surgery on my right anterior tib-fib ligament. My ATFL had be... -
The Relationship Between your Gluteals and your Hamstrings…
A weakness in one muscle can cause another to become overly tight and contracted… In our bodies, every muscle ... -
The Myth of ‘Short Muscles’
This post is about the moment when the human body completely blew my mind away. The moment when I saw physical evide... -
Short Hamstrings That Can Not Be Lengthened…?!
“Hi Lisa, My 8 year old daughter has being having flexibility issues over the past 12 months and after a recen... -
Jen’s Dance Story
Jen’s Dance Story In 2009 I fractured my left ankle, I had to give up ballet which broke my heart. I had just ... -
My Beginner Pointe DVD’s
My Beginner Pointe DVDs This comprehensive program includes three DVD’s covering preparatory and strengthening exerc... -
Advanced Foot Control for Dancers
Whats Included: 1. A hard copy of the new Advanced Foot Control Book! This 90 page full colour book has been complet... -
5 Myths about Flexibility!
There are so many myths out there that hold people back from realising their true flexibility. Discover your ultimat... -
The Perfect Pointe Book
“The Perfect Pointe Book” is a fantastic resource for dancers of all ages. It is designed to guide you throug... -
How To Improve Restricted Pointe Range
Dear Lisa, I was hoping you could help me. In the last year I have purchased both your Perfect Pointe ... -
The Top 10 FAQ About Starting on Pointe! – FREE PDF
When anyone is planning to start en pointe they always have LOADS of questions… Here at the Top 10 FAQ... -
Faye’s Injury Story
Faye’s Injury Story At the end of 2011, I started to have pains in my lower back during arabesques and backben... -
How Do You Stop Pointe Shoes from Twisting on Your Feet?
If the shank is too firm and has no discernable curve when you are en pointe then it is too stiff and needs to be wo... -
How Do You Fit Pointe Shoes Correctly?
Having pointe shoes that fit well can make all the difference in you loving or hating pointe work, so it is importan... -
The Front Splits Fast Program is a Miracle!
Hi Lisa! The Front Splits Fast Program is a Miracle! And that is not said lightly… I used to dance with a comp... -
What to do when your knees don’t straighten?
While some people have issues with their knees being to mobile, many other dancers get frustrated because their knee... -
Fascial Tension Mobilisers – Part 2
This ‘Fascial Tension Mobilisers – Part 2’ video is the second part to our focus on Fascial mobili... -
Fascial Tension – 3D Calf Mobilisers
This ‘Fascial Tension – 3D Calf Mobilisers’ is the first in a series of three by Physiotherapist S... -
What Causes Clicky Hips and What To Do About It!
Re: Clicky Hips Hi Lisa My students have been complaining recently of clicky hips when they do certain exercises. A... -
Can Locking Back Into My Knees Be Harmful?
Hi Lisa, I have heard that locking the knee when stretching the legs is harmful for the joint. Is this true and are ... -
Christina’s Injury Story
After a super long hiatus from dance (completed a Masters’ in Kinesiology) I decided to gear up and take my vocation... -
Clicking Knees and Pain Between the Toes
Hello! First off I just wanted to say I love your Perfect Pointe Book! Our entire studio uses it to prepare pre-poin... -
Chronic Ankle Pain in an 11 Year Old Dancer
Hi Lisa, My 11 year old daughter has been suffering from a chronic ankle pain. It started about 2 years ago. We sa... -
An Adult Dancer Pursues Her Passion
My first memories of wanting to dance go back to about the age of 4. I don’t remember specifically how I found... -
How Dancing Helped Through Difficult Times
At the end of 2009 and the start of 2010 i had very few friends and nothing that i wanted to do, I had given up on e... -
Best Way to Stay Flexible Over the Holidays
With the holidays looming I often hear my dancers saying… “Yeah, I’m going to stretch so much over the holidays and ... -
Breaking Down The Roll Down
One of the hardest things when you are trying to get more flexible is working out what exercises to do. However, by ... -
Orthotics vs Formthotics – Is one better for dancers?
Hi Lisa, I read in one of your articles and watched a Q&A video that both mentioned the soft Formthotics as a c... -
The Truth About Core Stability
Yes – I know that we all know that we need it, and most readers will already be doing lots of training for it. But a... -
Preventing Hamstring Tears
Just about every dancer struggles with this at some point, so I wanted to give you a few tips to help avoid somethin... -
Can Neural Tension Cause Shin Pain?
Hi Lisa, My daughter is 12. She has been dancing since she was 3. She is having pain over her right shin but only w... -
Hamstring Strengthening Video
This Hamstring Strengthening video is one of the bonus videos from the Front Splits Fast Program Members Area. It t... -
What is Fascial Tension?
Fascial Tension is the way that Fascia works to help us stay upright, move dance and play. It helps us live, but it ... -
Fascial Tension Mobilisers – Part 3
Fascial Tension Mobilisers – Part 3 This video is the final of three videos covering fascial mobilising techni... -
Causes of Shin Pain
Re: Causes of shin pain Hi Lisa, I have been dancing for 16 years and I am now attending university for a BFA in Dan... -
Treatment of Back Pain in a Dancer
Treating dancers with back pain can be a whole different situation than treating ‘regular’ people! A Phy... -
The Best Treatment For Patellofemoral Pain
‘Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome‘ (PFPS) is a general term for pain around or behind the knee cap. It is very common in... -
Resistance Band Rises – Exercises For Pointe Work
This great video shows you how to strengthen your ankles safely using a stretchy resistance band! A resistance band ... -
Pain Under The Ball Of The Foot – Sesamoiditis?
Hi Lisa! This is great what you are doing! My students all at one time or another have and are currently suffering f... -
Bunions Webinar
Hi Guys, Many dancers (and often their parents) are concerned at the possibility of developing unsightly and painful... -
Download a FREE 15 minute video – and be nice to your feet!
Download this fantastic 15 minute video – that teaches you all about your Soleus Muscle – simply by visi... -
Will Having Wide Feet Hinder My Ability To Do Pointe?
Hi! My name is Alice. I have a question about dancers with wide feet. The first dance store I went to said that my f... -
How do I sew the ribbons on pointe shoes?
How do I sew the ribbons on pointe shoes? Many girls have all kinds of elastic contraptions to hold the heel of the ... -
Breaking In Pointe Shoes
Breaking in pointe shoes correctly can not only make them feel much more comfortable when rising for the first time.... -
How Do You Tell When Someone Is Ready For Pointe Work?
It is one of the most often asked questions in ballet, yet one to which there has not really been one definitive ans... -
Can I Stretch My Achilles Tendon Safely?
Can I Stretch My Achilles Tendon Safely? Dear Lisa, I am dancing full time and have been for the past 3 years, I hav... -
The Best Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis in Dancers
The plantar fascia is an extraordinary structure that stretches along the full length of the foot and is very import... -
Should Dancers Use Orthotics?
The question I chose to answer this week is from a Dance Teacher wondering about the effect that orthotics have on y... -
Professional Dancer with Knee Pain Wants Answers
Professional Dancer with Knee Pain Wants Answers Dear Lisa, I have been quietly following you for years and I am alw... -
Pain At The Front Of The Ankle On Pointe
The question I chose to answer this week is from a Parent of a young dancer with pain at the front of her ankle en p... -
How To Get Your Legs Higher with a Développé.
So many girls have good flexibility when stretching, but find it hard to use this when dancing, especially with gett... -
Stretches To Improve Pointe Range
Dear Lisa, Would you happen to have any foot stretches that I can use to improve my pointe? I know about the golf ba... -
The Pros and Cons of Foot Stretchers
The following article and videos were created in response to all of the questions we get in regards to foot stretche... -
Pain and Clicking in the Back of the Ankles
I got a great email today from a student who has been getting pain and clicking in her ankles en pointe, and she has... -
How Old Is Too Old To Start Pointe Work?
The “How Old Is Too Old To Start Pointe Work?” question comes up often in forums and discussion groups c... -
Is It Normal For A Dancers Body To Crack And Pop?
Hi Lisa, I’ve watched all of your videos and they work wonderfully! I am a dancer in the US and was wondering whethe... -
Preparing Students For Pointe Work
The start of the year always is crazy for us in the clinic at Perfect Form Physio, as we have so many students tryin... -
Improving Beginner Pointe Work
Improving Beginner Pointe Work Teachers often wonder how to get the best out of their students en pointe, and I get ... -
How Ballet Dancers Can Avoid Common Foot Injuries
Most dancers will complain of some foot injury at some stage in their training, and professional ballet dancers will... -
Flat Feet and Pointe Shoes
As a Dance Educator and Dance Physiotherapist, one of the most common queries I get is… “I have ‘f... -
Does Pointe Work Hurt?
While pointe work is not exactly like wearing slippers, it should not be painful for the beginner. There are a few r... -
What Exercises Should You Use for Plantar Fascia Pain?
Dear Lisa, I have a question in regards to arches and plantar fascia pain. I have a student whose arches give her an... -
Does Pointe Work Cause Bunions?
Many girls (and their mothers) are concerned of the possibility of developing unsightly and painful damage to their ... -
Can Students With Restricted Range Ever Go En Pointe?
Hi Lisa, If a student does not have good flexibility through the ankle, and cannot pointe her foot properly, does th... -
How Can I Get More Flexible?
Dancers all over the world are constantly asking questions such as… “How can I get more flexible”, “How do I get int... -
Pain In The Back of The Ankle
Hello Lisa I do hope this finds you well. Many thanks for your recent email about not using therabands for resistanc... -
Working with a Leg Length Discrepancy
Many dancers complain of having one leg longer than the other. This can make it difficult to master perfect techniqu... -
Core Training for an Over Cracked Back!
Many people crack their back frequently, to ‘release tension’ and to ‘make it feel better’ however frequent manipula... -
Pain at the Back Of The Ankle – Posterior Impingement?
Hi Lisa! I am a Physiotherapist in British Columbia, Canada. I work as an orthopaedic manual therapist in a private... -
How To Perform The Perfect Tendu
While something as ‘simple’ as a Tendu gets taught very early on in most ballet schools, and is one of t... -
Injury Prevention for Contemporary Dancers
Unfortunately, injuries are often considered a part of life for the dancer, but this doesn’t necessarily have to be ... -
Cramping in Feet and Short Calves
Many dancers complain of cramping in their feet and “short calves” interfering with their dancing. This ... -
The Value Of Online Community In Dance Education
There is a huge need for comprehensive quality dance information to educate young dancers about their bodies, to ext... -
Tips For Turnout – Achieving Ultimate Extensions
In our Tips for Training Turnout EBook, we look at all of the contributing factors to a beautiful developpe devant &... -
Tips for Turnout – Isolating Your True Turnout
In our first Tips for Turnout post we looked at ways of opening out the hips, to get some more turnout range, and ... -
Tips for Turnout – Achieving Your Ultimate Range
It seems like the flavour of the month in the clinic this month is turnout. Not that it isn’t always an issue, but i... -
What is neural mobility?
One of the main concepts that we work on with anyone wanting to get more mobile is actually assessing their nerves a...
