IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

Biomechanical Dysfunction of the Sacroiliac Joint in Dancers.....   [read the french version]

Author :   Libby Lovejoy, BFA, MFA

Biomechanical Dysfunction of the Sacroiliac Joint in Dancers:
Detection in the Studio, Diagnosis/Correction using Physiotherapy, Prevention

Libby Lovejoy, BFA, MFA
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas, USA

Frankie R. Melder, PT
Austin Physical Therapy Clinic
Austin, Texas, USA

Biomechanical dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint causes many diverse symptoms in dancers, all of which include pain and limited technical ability. Due to the fact that dysfunctions of this joint are not readily recognized by many medical practitioners, correct diagnosis may be difficult if not improbable.

The sacroiliac joint structure and its movement capacity will be introduced. Supporting structures and their possible involvement will also be discussed. A university/professional academy dance educator with over 20+ years of teaching experience will discuss observation of the dysfunctional dancer in the studio and will cite specific complaints to listen for as well as postural changes that may be noted by observant instructors.


Diagnosing sacroiliac joint dysfunction will be presented by a physiotherapist who has been in private practice for over 40 years and has spent the last 10+ years successfully working with dancers of all ages, levels and disciplines. Instruction will be given in a mobilization technique to correct biomechanical dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint. Appropriate use of muscle energy, myofascial release and conventional procedures/modalities will also be presented and discussed. A brief discussion of how sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs and how it may be prevented will be given. Therapeutic exercises to stabilize the sacroiliac joint and to stretch/strengthen the corresponding soft tissue will be taught. Interesting case studies will be presented, time permitting.

Proper diagnosis and correction of the sacroiliac joint dysfunction is necessary in the treatment of dance injuries. Dance instructors will become more astute in the observation and detection of biomechanical flaws in students and will improve their ability to make proper recommendations as to which type of intervention may help to solve their students’ physical problems. Medical practitioners will gain new insight to a joint that is frequently overlooked and is often thought of as being immobile when in reality the small degree of motion is extremely important to the highly skilled body of the dancer athlete. Physiotherapists will learn a mobilization technique to correct biomechanical dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint.