As a licensed Massage Therapist and Professional Dancer, I have experienced massage as an imperative element essential for competitive dancers. Getting regular bodywork helps me stay healthy and injury free for my active lifestyle and for my clients as well. I have added weekly massages as part of my dance training schedule. By doing so, my muscles receive the treatment they need in order to execute and perform to the standards expected in the dance and entertainment industry. By giving myself a weekly one hour massage, I have gained happier, healthier muscles. I feel stronger, faster and more balanced. My dancing has become more fluid and I have given myself the gift of longevity on the dance floor.
I have learned about overuse injuries in dancers from my own injuries. Dancers are at high risk because muscles are worked hard during rehearsal, classes, and performance. We don’t allow muscles to fully rest before we continue to training again. It is likely that injury will eventually occur because the muscles are not fully recovered and are not able to function to their potential. In order to continue in the sport of dance and perform our very best it is important to create a source of recovery. Recovery is needed for overall muscle health and to enhance our true potential as a dancer. As a dancer, you should be aware that overuse is one of the most common causes of muscular injury and imbalance within the dance community. When overuse injuries are not properly addressed they can impair performance and have the potential of becoming chronic injures. Chronic injuries means dancing will come to a halt weather you like it or not.
Our bodies are so incredible that they instinctively know how to heal. Recovery from physical activity happens through circulation of the blood flushing out waste products that build up in the muscles from intense dance rehearsals and physical activity our bodies endure. Instinctively the body provides nutrients and repairs tissue damage. Unfortunately, this process takes time and the process only works when we take time to rest. Without recovery time the repair process can not do its job properly. Being a Professional Dancer for Salsambo for over ten years now, I know first hand that busy rehearsal schedules makes this necessary recovery period almost impossible to achieve.
My solution: Regular massage and bodywork
Massage is a safe and effective way of speeding up the recovery process for tired, overworked muscles. This is how I discovered the healing power of massage & bodywork. It is also the reason that I have studied the art of massage to a professional level.
Benefits of Massage for Dancers:
- speed up the body’s natural recovery process
- injury prevention
- enhances performance
- releases muscular tension and allows our bodies to move with fluidity
- helps the natural process in healing minor soft tissue injuries
- encourages circulation
- increases range of motion
Visit me at www.jenpicneo.com for more information or to schedule a session.
The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and not to be relied upon on its own. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any treatment for pain or healing or accepting any advice with regard to your health care.
