Dance Medicine

What is dance medicine?

Dance medicine is a specialized field that involves providing treatments for your lower extremities, including your toes, feet, and ankles since these areas of your body are often under extreme stress as you dance. Because dancing is a highly demanding activity that places pressure on your bones, joints, and connective issues, you have an increased risk of injuries.

Your dance medicine care plan is personalized to you. It can involve learning stretches and strengthening exercises to prevent injuries, as well as undergoing treatments to help you heal if you have injuries or inflamed tissues.

When should I see a dance medicine specialist?

Since dance requires extreme flexibility, balance, and endurance, Dr. Rivera encourages you to have an evaluation early on to learn to prevent injuries. This is especially important for teens since growth spurts during puberty can lead to brittle bones and can increase your risk of stress fractures and broken bones.

Outside of preventive dance medicine care, you should schedule an evaluation at Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center if you experience any of the following issues in your lower extremities:

• Calf pain
• Inflammation
• Tenderness
• Strains or sprains
• Corns or calluses
• Bunions or hammertoes
• Difficulty bearing weight on a foot or ankle

Dr. Rivera understands how quickly pain and underlying issues can progress. She encourages you to schedule an evaluation as soon as possible, even if your issue seems minor or sporadic.

Which type of dance medicine treatment do I need?

Your dance medicine treatment plan at Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center is entirely tailored to you. Dr. Rivera designs a dance management treatment plan to relieve current discomfort and inflammation, while also promoting strength and healing. Your dance medicine care plan may include:

• Physical therapy
• Activity modifications
• Compression wrapping
• Topical numbing creams
• Bracing, splinting, or casting
• Padding, strapping, or taping
• Daily stretches and strengthening exercises
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

If you do have a severe injury that requires surgical repair, Dr. Rivera uses minimally invasive measures whenever possible to ensure your downtime is as short as possible. No matter which type of dance medicine treatment is right for you though, you can feel confident that Dr. Rivera is going to get you back up on your toes as quickly as possible.

Schedule your dance medicine evaluation at Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center today. Click on the online scheduler, or call the office directly.