Dance and Artistic Sports Physiotherapy

Clinic Staff

 The Clinic Senior Physiotherapists

Are university lecturers on dance injuries and have presented at numerous international conferences.

Have trained in dance and therefore have an excellent understanding of dance technique.

Are involved in dance medicine research at either Masters or PhD level and are therefore well aware of current dance medicine literature, in regards to the causes and optimal treatment of dance injuries.

Have presented their research at the Annual International Association of Dance Science & Medicine Conferences in UK and USA as well as at numerous national Physiotherapy Conferences.

Have experience in treating dancers of all ages who train in many different styles as well as other performing artists.

Are members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Sports Physiotherapy Australia, Dance Physiotherapy Group and the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science.

Dr Melinda Purnell, PhD
B App Sc (Physiotherapy Honours 1), University of Sydney

B App A (Dance & Physical Education), University of NSW

Melinda is a Dance Physiotherapist with a first class Honours degree for her research on the causes of adolescent dance injuries and is currently completing her PhD in Dance Physiotherapy. Melinda has also completed a degree in dance and physical education and lectures on anatomy and injury prevention to dancers, teachers and allied health professionals. She has been the Australian and NSW Sports Acrobatics Team Physiotherapist, How To Train Your Dragon Arena Show and the High School Musical Live Show Physiotherapist. Melinda is also a Pilates Instructor and Dance Teacher, with 16 years experience teaching classical ballet, jazz, tap and modern/contemporary in the Sutherland Shire. Melinda is a member of the Dance Physiotherapy Group and the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science.

Dr Claire Hiller, PhD
M App Sc (Physiotherapy), University of Sydney

B App Sc (Physiotherapy), University of Sydney

Claire is a Dance Physiotherapist with a Masters of Applied Science for her research on chronic ankle instability in dancers and has completed her PhD in Dance Physiotherapy. Claire has worked at the Laban Centre in London and regularly lectures on anatomy and injury prevention to dancers, teachers and allied health professionals. Claire is a member of the Dance Physiotherapy Group as well as the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science.

Dance and Artistic Sports Physiotherapy in North Strathfield, Sydney, NSW is in the category of Specialising in Sports Massage, Back Pain Physio, Shoulder injury Physio.

Additional services by Dance and Artistic Sports Physiotherapy include Soft Tissue Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Neck Pain Physio, Joint Pain Physio, Physiotherapy, Sports Physio.

Call Dance and Artistic Sports Physiotherapy to make an appointment with our friendly staff.

Services

Assessment and treatment

Assessment and treatment of dance related injuries, with guided return to dance. If a rest period is required for the injury to heal, the dancer is advised on what specific steps they need to avoid, so that they may continue some aspects of their training.

Dance specific rehabilitation

Dance specific rehabilitation, strengthening and flexibility programs, including Pilates exercises. Programs may be designed to improve aspects such as turnout, hamstring and adductor flexibility for splits, core/pelvic stability, ankle control, alignment and dance technique or correct muscle imbalances.

Pre-pointe assessments

Pre-pointe assessments, a 1 hour assessment of all major joints involved in dance to detect any muscle weakness/tightness, joint stiffness or malignment such as “knock knees” and scoliosis which may predispose the dancer to injury when commencing pointe work. Specific exercises are given to correct any problems identified.

Dance assessments

Dance assessments, including completion of tertiary dance screening forms. This is a one hour assessment of the dancer’s joint range and muscular strength, control and flexibility. Specific exercises are given to assist with enhancing dance technique in order to prevent injury. Dance screening is recommended for students who are about to increase their training, after a growth spurt or prolonged rest period and is compulsory for entrance to many tertiary dance courses.

Assessment and treatment

We also offer assessment and treatment of other performing arts and gymnastics related injuries as well as general injuries.