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Level 3 Understanding and Managing
Foot Injuries in Dancers
For Dance Teachers and Health Professionals
Our Level 3 – Foot and Ankle workshop is a 3 day, in-depth exploration of the dancers foot, as well as the influences of dynamic hip stability and functional core control on foot dynamics. It is perfect for Heath Practitioners who work with dancers, as well as high level dance teachers. You will leave armed with many tools and techniques to help dancers suffering with all types of foot injuries, specifically:
What’s Included:
For the latest dates and information on upcoming courses CLICK HERE or check out the individual listings at the bottom of this page.
Overview of the content covered:
The Normal Foot - First up we focus on understanding how a normal foot works. As Leonardo da Vinci said “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” When working properly, it allows us to run, jump and dance in the most extraordinary ways. The many bones, joints, ligaments, fascia and muscles of the foot are organised in a way that allows shock absorption, dynamic propulsion and balance in all kinds of positions.
Functional Anatomy - We dive into the functional anatomy of the foot as it pertains to the dancer. This includes learning about the bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and fascial lines that lead into the foot. We explore the various anatomical variations that you may see in a regular class of dancers, and how to tailor the class and their conditioning exercises for optimal performance.
Foot Assessment - We look at optimal positioning of the feet in standing, as well as how the foot should operate during normal walking as well as when moving into a plié or on rise. Participants learn how to carefully assess the dancers foot in many ways, including assessment of the joints in the mid and rear foot, that often are the culprit for long standing foot and ankle injuries.
Day Two
Reviewing the Assessment: On day 2 & 3 we start by reviewing the assessment process covered in day 1 on a new model. Working in small groups you will master the art of identifying possible contributing factors and preparing an intevention plan.
Common Foot Injuries - The rest of the day is entirely focussed on understanding and managing the common foot injuries that pop up in a dance class, the reasons why these conditions occur, as well as taping and treatment strategies to quickly remove the symptoms. Injuries covered include:
Optimal Management of Foot Injuries - We will discuss the optimal management of a dancer when engaged with physical therapy and look at resources to help create clear and open communication between therapists and the dance teacher. Collaboration between both sides of the dancers training are vital in optimal resolution of any injury.
Day Three
The Rehabilitation Process - We look at examples of rehab programs for dancers, ranging from complete non-weight-bearing to full participation in class, along with all of the resources to help dancers track their own journey.
The Whole Dancer: Foot and Ankle injures are never just about teh foot and ankle. We look at how to include the whole dancer in their rehab, for optimal engagement and a full recovery.
How to Prevent Injuries Longterm - Finally, we look at strategies to prevent these injuries in all dancers, by implementing screening tests and progressively graded programs during the dancers regular training.
You will leave the course feeling very confident in implimenting this style of progressive program with your dancers.
The following videos give a review of some of the relevant information from the Level 1 Teacher Training course, to review before attending the Foot Injuries in Dancers workshop.
Why Not to Use a Foot Stretcher
Returning to Jumps Following Injury
Anatomy of the Pointed Foot
Why to Avoid Pointing into a Theraband
Why Not To Walk in Turnout
Why to Avoid Walking on the Toes
Completing the 3 Day Level One Teacher Training is recommended prior to attending any of the more detailed intensive Teacher Training courses. If you have yet to attend the Level One course you may sign up to our Level One Online Teacher Training Portal prior to the workshop going ahead. For further information about this, please contact us on workshops@theballetblog.com.
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