“Pound for pound, dancers are just as strong as football players, if not stronger” – Lisa M. Schoene (Podiatrist)
Starting en pointe is such an exciting milestone for a ballet dancer but it is important to remember that you only has one body and one pair of feet for the rest of her life. Pointe is a beautiful art form that has been around since the 1800s, however it is not a normal human function. It is for this reason that a Pre-Pointe Assessment is necessary before starting pointe work.
You will then be given a range of exercises to help with your pre-pointe training and will be reviewed accordingly over the following months. At undefeated we encourage dancers to work on strengthening within the whole lower limb as well as intrinsic foot strengthening, correct technical placement and control through movements.
“Getting up en point is one of the most athletic things you can do. They’re exerting 10 to 12 times their body weight, going up and down on that pointe” – Lisa M. Schoene a Chicago Podiatrist who treats dancers and Olympians.
Common injuries include:
Are you ready to go en pointe?
Our role as podiatrists is to look at the dancer as a whole and take into consideration many factors when considering their readiness for pointe work.
General criteria the Podiatrist will consider when conducting your pre pointe assessment:
*This is a guide only and the dancer’s strength and technical ability may surpass the above criteria.
What requirements do the Podiatrist consider when conducting your pre-pointe assessment?
How long will the assessment take?
The pre-pointe assessment is a 40-minute consultation. During this time the Podiatrist will take into account your medical history, conduct the full physical assessment and provide relevant exercises as appropriate.
What should I wear for my pre-pointe assessment?
It is preferred that the dancer wears a leotard with convertible tights as most of the assessment the podiatrist will need to see your feet. Please bring your ballet shoes, school shoes and runners so we can assess your feet and gait in an everyday manner.
Who is shockwave Therapy not suitable for ?
How long does the treatment last?
Each treatment will take approximately 10 minutes, delivering 6000 shocks.
Some patients or conditions require more shocks and duration, depending on severity and how long the condition or injury has existed.
Normally four to seven treatments are necessary on a weekly basis. To get the best results we like to avoid gaps in the treatment program.
Does it hurt?
The initial stage of treatment may cause some deep pain however this indicates a deep targeting of the problem area. However, if you cannot tolerate it, adjustments on the machine can be made to decrease the pressure you feel.
During the treatment you may start to experience numbness or heaviness at the treatment area. Towards the end of your treatment session it will become less painful.
After your treatment you may feel some soreness which may intensify on the night of treatment. Use of anti-inflammatories is not recommended rather a paracetamol should pain relief be required.
You may experience some bruising at the treatment site.
We request you rest from aggravating activities for 2 - 3 days after treatment.
Although the short-term effects alone are exceptional, the long-term benefits of this treatment may take up to 3-4 months. If after this time there has not been any marked improvement, you should see your doctor for further treatment options.
* The human body is a complex structure and like many things in medicine we can provide no guarantee of the effectiveness of treatment. We can only keep up to date with the latest quality scientific research and make this available to you to make your decision.
