Taking time off from dance is often inevitable when injury strikes. But receiving a misdiagnosis—and the wrong type of treatment—can prolong your recovery. “A lot of doctors practice where they’ll only see one or two dancers a year,” says Dr. William Hamilton, a New York­–based orthopedic surgeon specializing in dance medicine. Since most medical professionals […]

Why do back injuries seem to be so common these days among dancers? “It used to be that if you were in a company, you did all the work of that choreographer,” says Rocky Bornstein, a New York City–based physical therapist who specializes in professional dancers. “Now companies feel like they have to bring in […]

Why do I keep getting stress fractures? I menstruate normally, dance on a sprung floor and take calcium supplements to strengthen my bones. I also follow my orthopedist’s instructions and did rehab after previous stress fractures. What’s wrong with my body? —Rose, Yonkers, NY Kudos to you for being aware of the main factors that […]