Tendinitis

One of the most common injuries suffered by performers of all types is tendinitis. But what exactly is it? Quite simply, the suffix “-itis” means “inflammation of,” so tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon. To be more precise, tendinitis is an overuse injury affecting a muscle’s tendon and the musculotendinous junction (the part where the muscle fibers join with the tendon fibers). [A side note: tendinitis and tendonitis are both correct spellings.]

Tips for Going to the Doctor's Office

Some dancers don’t like to go see the doctor (even when they really need to) because they feel that (a) they already know what the doctor is going to say [“Stop dancing!”] or (b) they think it will be a waste of time and they won’t actually get any personalized attention or advice. Or both.

If you fit into the first category, choosing the best type of physician for injured dancers may help you feel more comfortable seeing a physician. If you fit into the second category, make sure that you’re giving your doctor the most accurate and complete information to allow him or her to give you the most accurate diagnosis and the best treatment plan. Your diagnosis can only be as good as the information you provide your medical provider.

The following tips are designed to help you get the most out of your doctor’s visit, including an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

My 6 Favorite Stretches for Dancers

Stretching can be used to achieve several different goals and at various points in a workout. As you read through the following list, remember to always follow the 10 Rules of Stretching! Here are my 6 favorite stretches for dancers.