Injuries Flashcards
Classification of injuries
Acute = sudden in onset Chronic = gradual in onset and may occur over a period of time
Common causes
Overuse injuries/overtraining
Poor technique
Biomechanics
Environmental factors
Overuse injuries/overtraining
Causes
Dancers work at intense levels and are prone to injuries due to the repetitive nature of movement patterns
Overuse injuries/overtraining prevention
Alternative types of exercise when not dancing
Swimming
Water aerobics
Pilates
Poor technique
Lack of education Poor teaching Resistance to change and new developments Know your body and limits Don’t overextend yourself
Biomechanics overview
Your body has structures and limitations
Structural problems will affect the way your body functions
Joint architecture
Tissue type
Genetic makeup
Muscle imbalances
Biomechanics: joint architecture
Certain joints are built for mobility and some for stability
Shoulder = large range in motion
Knee = limited range
Biomechanics: tissue type
Muscles are elastic and can endure change in length without permanent damage
Tendons are less elastic and can be more easily injured
Ligaments can not regain original length which leads to joint instability
Biomechanics: genetic make-up
Certain body structures are inherited and cannot be altered
Sometimes it happens from birth and sometimes it’s developed overtime
Understand your body
Biomechanics: muscle imbalances
If a joint has overdeveloped muscles on one side and weak muscles on the other causes by incorrect or insufficient training, postural problems can result
Environmental causes
Floor
Studio temperature
Shoes
Clothing
Environmental causes: floor
Sprung word floor = essential as a shock absorber
Wet floor = slipping hazard
Too much resin = difficult turning which causes twisted knees or ankles
Cracks need to be dealt with immediately as they can tear open the skin in your feet
Environmental causes: studio temperature
Muscles need to be warm to work well and to prevent injury
Excessive heat can cause sweating, loss of electrolytes and dehydration
Environmental causes: shoes
In dance forms wear shoes need to be worn, the correct fitting is vital to prevent injury
Environmental causes: clothing
Very loose clothing can hamper movement and increase risk of injuries
Tight clothing can hamper mobility
Dancing in socks can cause slipping
