Ballet demands both artistry and genuine athleticism, and that combination places significant strain on the body, particularly the feet and lower limbs. Our team has worked with many professional ballet dancers over the years, including dancers from major companies, and pointe work in particular is where we see the most significant injuries.

Common Issues We See in Dancers

  • Foot, knee, hip and back pain
  • Ankle sprains
  • Bunions
  • Clawed toes, often linked to pointe work

 

Tibial Torsion and Turnout

One of the more complex presentations we assess in dancers is external tibial torsion affecting turnout, where the shin bone sits well outside the ideal rotational range, and the hips compensate by tightening the groin muscles. This kind of compensation pattern can lead to knee, groin, lower back and stomach pain, since the same muscles responsible for rotating the thigh also pull on the pelvis and lower back. Addressing this typically involves a combination of targeted stretching, orthotic devices designed to help correct the shin rotation, and regular reassessment as training progresses.

 

Our Approach

Beyond pointe-specific injuries, we also look at posture and habits outside the studio. Things like standing in a turned-out position off-stage can place ongoing stress on the hips, knees and lower back over time. Our approach is to look at the dancer as a whole person, not just the injury in front of us, since the underlying biomechanics usually explain more about ongoing pain than the specific point of injury alone.

  • Treatment Options We Offer
  • Custom orthotics, including slim designs suited to pointe and ballet shoes
  • Targeted stretching programs
  • Ongoing reassessment as training load and technique develop

 

Book an Assessment

If you’re a ballet dancer managing pain or working through pointe-related injuries, book a biomechanical assessment at your nearest Dr Abbie Clinics location.

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