IADMS Madrid 2001   [back to the Category]

Anterior hip pain   [read the french version]

Author :   Janet Briggs, MSc, MCSP, SRP

Anterior hip pain

Janet Briggs, MSc, MCSP, SRP, The Royal Ballet School, London, England

This poster will present current practices in the treatment of anterior hip pain at the Royal Ballet School. Younger dancers are known to suffer from anterior hip pain more than mature dancers (1) and this is indeed the case at the Royal Ballet School. The 11-13 year olds present with the problem more frequently than the older students although it does occur throughout training, with girls presenting slightly more frequently than boys.
The poster will present assessment and treatment practices using text and photographs to illustrate the program.
The assessment involves an Orthopaedic opinion if appropriate with investigations including X-ray and MRI if necessary. The physiotherapy assessment includes core stability function, pelvic control, muscle testing and joint assessment and later on technical correction. This will be included briefly in the poster.
The treatment and exercise program will be explained and illustrated in more detail. The mobilization techniques will be explained briefly but most space will be devoted to the exercise program, which includes core stability work, stretches and strengthening exercises to redress the muscle imbalance, which seems to be a major contributory factor in this common condition. The use of imagery will also be described.
This treatment strategy has developed over several years with reasonable success and it seems appropriate to share this experience with other professionals working with dancers.

Reference
1. D Krasnow et al. (1999) Injury, Stress and Perfectionism in Young Dancers and Gymnasts. Journal of Dance Medicine and Science, Vol.3, No.2.