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lisa howell - ArticlesLisa Howell (B.Phty) is a Physical Therapist (Physiotherapist) based in Sydney, Australia, who specialises in the assessment and treatment of dancers of all ages, from young students to professional level, and teachers. She is dedicated to the education of dancers to help prevent injury, and to develop optimal performance at every level. She produces a FREE weekly dancer’s newsletter with tips on all aspects of dance to help spread her knowledge around the world. To find out more about “The Perfect Pointe Book” or to receive the newsletter, go to www.theperfectpointebook.com
How to Treat Achilles Tendon Injuries in a DancerProblems in the Achilles tendon are common in dancers and it is a generally poorly understood injury in many dance circles. Lisa Howell in this article summarises the key steps to a successful rehabilitation programme, focusing on an eccentric loading principle. Predisposing factors to Achilles tendonopathy and advice about returning back to dancing are also mentioned. Developing Effective Abdominal Control and Core Strength in DancersThe deep abdominal and back muscles are critical for a dancer to maintain good posture and strength throughout class and performance. Lisa Howell, dance physiotherapist, outlines the need for activation of the Transverse Abdominis, Pelvic Floor and Multifidus muscles and offers a guide to initiating and training these muscles. Developing Strength and Improving the Height of Leg in a DeveloppéMany dancers have amazing flexibility when stretching, but find it hard to use this when dancing, especially with a developpé. This article outlines a simple floor exercise aimed at increasing the height of you leg as well as building the strength to hold it in these positions. The Importance of Balance Retraining Exercises for the Dance StudentThere are many things that can influence your ability to balance. Poor balance may cause your supporting foot to wobble and make it hard to stabilise en demi-pointe, putting you at risk of injury. In this article Lisa Howell discusses some test and exercises that are aimed at improving balance. How to Improve Your Flexibility Safely in to the SplitsDancers are constantly striving for perfection and are as a result always trying to improve their flexibility. To improve flexibility stretching should be effective, efficient and safe. Lisa Howell offers some helpful hints and her own stretch programme to improve flexibility into the splits. Why Do Dancers Often Get Growing Pains?As a dancer goes through any period of growth, some pain and stiffness may be noticeable. Unfortunately as we grow, all the action takes place at the growth plates in our bones, and it does take some time for the muscles, ligaments and nerves to adjust to their new positions. This article explains the reason for growth pains and offers advice to those dancers who may be experiencing a decrease in flexibility. All a Dancer Needs to Know About Patellofemoral Knee PainPain under the kneecap is a common issue in the dance population. It may often be caused by a rolling-in of the feet or the knees. This pain is associated with rubbing of the under-surface of the knee cap on the underlying bone, and may be caused by poor muscle activation and control around the hip, knee or ankle. This article includes a test for VMO activation and offers some advice to improve the muscle activation around you knee. Please note that any ongoing pain should be assessed and treatm Improving the Height of Demi-pointe in a DancerAn essential component of Classical Ballet is having ample strength in the feet to get into a high demi-pointe (or ¾ pointe) position. Gaining this position is essential for correct technique and balance. Some dancers have excellent pointe range on testing, yet struggle to achieve this height when rising. Lisa Howell offers some exercises and tips to improve range and height of the demi-pointe position. Correct Activation and Use of the Gluteal Muscles in a DancerIt is often asked in regards to ballet training how hard the bottom muscles should be working. This article makes a distinction between the turn-out and gluteal muscles and endeavours to make clear when and when not the gluteal muscles should be activated when dancing. A test for the gluteal muscles is included. Correct use of these muscles will help you in everything from jumps, to your work en fondu, your arabesque line, your back, and even your flexibility into the splits. How to Treat Achilles Tendon Injuries in a DancerProblems in the Achilles tendon are common in dancers and it is a generally poorly understood injury in many dance circles. Lisa Howell in this article summarises the key steps to a successful rehabilitation programme, focusing on an eccentric loading principle. Predisposing factors to Achilles tendonopathy and advice about returning back to dancing are also mentioned. It is important to note that information given in this article is generalised in nature and must not be used to diagnose or trea
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