Preventing, Caring for Injuries of Budding Ballet Stars

Each year, thousands of youngsters across the United States strap on their ballet slippers and take to the barre, dreaming of the day when they will become members of the American Ballet Theatre.

For most, companies like the ABT will remain an elusive goal. But the injuries associated with the years of ballet training can become a painful reality.

“Unfortunately, injuries are a part of a ballet dancer’s life,” said Patrice Whiteside, the director of St. Francis Hospital’s unique DanceMedicine Clinic. “We treat every member of the San Francisco Ballet at least once a year for an injury.”

Whiteside said the parents of budding ballet stars can take steps to make sure their youngster’s injuries remain relatively minor.

“Parents who are considering entering their child in a ballet class should first go and observe the class before enrolling their child,” she said. “You should watch the instructor to see how much individual attention she is giving each student. You should also notice whether she is paying attention to proper form.

“Once the child is enrolled, you should listen to the child. Ask him or her if they are enjoying the class.”

Parents also has to watch their child to make sure the teacher is not moving too quickly.

“They should not pointe (stand on the tip of their toes) too early,” Whiteside said. “The correct age at which to start dancing on pointe varies according to muscular development and years of training. But for most children it is between 10 and 13.”

The parent should also pay close attention to the gait of their child’s walk.

“Youngsters want to dance so badly, they try to hide their injuries,” Whiteside said. “You should pay close attention to your child’s gait and how they move.

“If something looks a little out of the ordinary, then your child may be hiding an injury. We generally see children at the clinic only after the pain has gotten too much for them.”

If your child becomes injured, Whiteside says remember the acronym RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. A handy tip is to place a couple of foam cups full of water in the freezer. When your child is hurt, simply go to the refrigerator, take out a cup and you have an instant ice pack.

“Ice is always the best initial course of treatment for any injury,” Whiteside said. “If the pain persists, bring the child to your doctor. Quick treatment will shorten what can be a painful period of rehabilitation.”