How to Make a Safe Comeback After a Dance Injury?
Injuries happen. Of course, taking precautions is ideal, but even when you’re doing so, there’s a risk of injury —even if it’s minimal. It’s hard to learn to sit back and let your body heal, but it is necessary. Once your body is ready to go back to dance, there are still some things to consider, to make sure your return is safe and will not end up making things worse. Here are 3 tips that can help:
Be Honest with Yourself
“Walk it off” is something we hear a lot, but this is not wise advice. Although, pushing through the pain to get through a performance is something to be admired, this doesn’t mean that pain should always be disregarded. Your body is smart and it will let you know when it’s in trouble. Ignoring your pain will only make things worse.
If you’re feeling discomfort, the best thing you can do is remove yourself from dance at once and go get checked out. It might be something simple that will go away with a little rest or some meds, but there’s also a chance that it could be something more serious. Don’t put your health at risk and identify when it’s time to stop. If your body is still not ready, don’t push it.
Treat Your Injuries Properly
Treat Your Injuries ProperlySometimes rest will do the trick, some other times, it won’t. It is essential that you get the treatment your condition requires, in order for your body to heal properly and more efficiently. Ideally, get treated by a doctor that has experience with dancers, as they can better understand your condition, as well as your goals.
Going Back to Dance
Before you decide you’re all better and can hit the dance floor again, make sure your doctor clears you for dance. Start small. Avoid jumping back into the more complex things right from the start. Take things easy and be patient with your recovering body. Also, depending on how long your break from dancing is, you’ll need to slowly condition your body again so you can avoid future injuries.
Allow yourself to take things slow once you start dance classes again. Listen to your body and take good care of it. It is your instrument. Who can take better care of it than you?