IADMS Madrid 2001   [back to the Category]

Acupuncture and the treatment of dance injuries   [read the french version]

Author :   Bill Russell, MA, MFA, DC, DACBSP

Acupuncture and the treatment of dance injuries

Bill Russell, MA, MFA, DC, DACBSP, Webster University, Performing Arts Rehabilitation, St. Louis, MO, USA

In a number of studies acupuncture has been indicated as the treatment of choice by many Dancers for musculoskeletal injuries. Clinically acupuncture has been used for the resolution of localized pain, localized inflammation and swelling that accompany acute musculoskeletal trauma and overuse or misuse injuries which are frequently seen problems by clinicians in the Dance Medicine field. This paper will present some of the techniques commonly used in acupuncture including needle insertion, moxabustion and acupressure and the clinical presentation in which these different methods are traditionally used.
A number of current protocols used for the treatment of injuries routinely seen in the Dance population will be looked at. Individual point selection will be discussed. Treatment frequency perimeters will be covered. Finally we will look at acupuncture and how it fits into overall comprehensive treatment plans for the Dancer. In conclusion this paper will help the Dance Medicine practitioner become familiar with the use of acupuncture in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and its place as a valuable component in the overall treatment plan and resolution of the Dancer’s injuries.