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We understand your body, because we're dancers too…
Sports Therapy 4 Dancers was established by Liz Bayley BA (Hons), ADip ST, MFHT, BTEC Dip (Level 5), LSSM Dip — professional dancer and qualified sports therapist.
While dancing at the Moulin Rouge, Liz, along with many of her co-performers, sustained injuries. Feeling that there was demand for a therapist who understood a dancer's body, schedule, and unique lifestyle, Sports Therapy 4 Dancers was born.
A personal message from Liz Bayley, CEO of Sports Therapy 4 Dancers℠
Performers, and dancers in particular, are a special breed. The way that I feel about dance — about being a dancer — comes from the fact that I have done it since I can remember; since I was aware that I existed. It is how I define myself. Just as I tick the box for 'British' on a form, being a dancer is as fundamental an aspect of my personality as is my nationality. No one but a professional dancer can understand the passion and commitment it takes to pursue a career in dance, let alone how it feels to sustain an injury.
I was treating a dancer recently who said during their consultation: "Dance isn't just what I do — it's my identity". Beautifully put. I understood completely.
There have been many occasions in treating my dancer clients when they describe their injury, or area that is of constant worry to them, and I think "I know exactly what you mean!". I have treated many dancers who have had the same injuries as I have — strained hamstrings, tendonitis, back pain and neck spasms to name a few.
Not only can I completely empathise with dancers about their injuries, but my knowledge and experience in dance technique means I can assess the reason a dancer may have sustained an injury to begin with. We share the same terminology. When you talk about the, "arabesque, plié or Fosse walks" I won't ask you what on earth you're talking about. Rather, I'll come back with "don't forget to engage your abdominals during your grand battement". I have an explicit study of conditioning and exercise therapy for dancers, as it seems nonsensical to prescribe the same physical exercises for a dancer as you would a member of the general public. Dancers have a strength and flexibility that is unique and should be treated as such.
Muscle of the day:
splenius cervicis
The rate of injuries in dancers far exceeds that of even gymnasts and other athletes. This study revealed that 88% of ballet dancers suffer from discomfort in the lumbar spine.
Sports therapists can help treat such problems, yes, but they are also a great source of information that can prevent the development of pathologies in the first place. Stretching and pilates is not enough to safegaurd against the repetitive movements you perform on a daily basis.
You owe it to yourself, and to your art, to learn which exercises help prevent the development of destructive imbalances. Don't wait until the damage is already done: Book an appointment with Liz now.