Raj Deu, a John Hopkins sports medicine specialist, and performing arts physical therapists Andrea Lasner and Amanda Green shared their valuable information towards preventing injuries in overstretching. They emphasized the importance of taking care of yourself and get enough rest in-between. They recommend dancers work at their highest intensity a couple of times per week and then taking at least two days off. This is ideal for recovery and for avoiding injury.
You also should focus on how your body feels. If something is causing you extreme pain, take a break from it, or adjust it until the pain goes away.
So while you may be impressed with all the Instagram posts of dancers in complicated positions that bend their body in new ways, it’s not worth hurting yourself in the process. Everyone is built differently and have different limits. Listen to what your body says and don’t push yourself to the brink of brokenness.
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References:
- Common Dance Injuries and Prevention Tips. (n.d.). Retrieved from hopkinsmedicine.org/health/articles-and-answers/ask-the-expert/common-dance-injuries
- Howell, L. (n.d.). Is Overstretching Bad? Retrieved from theballetblog.com/portfolio/is-over-stretching-bad/