Clinical observations of hip and pelvic floor muscle balance in an elite ballet company

Rath, Leanne Grad. Dip. Sports Physiotherapy, The Australian Ballet, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Baird-Colt, Paula APMA Certified, The Australian Ballet, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

This session aims to explore some aspects of muscle balance within the hip intrinsic muscles and the relationship this has to pelvic floor function in dancers. Information included is based upon clinical observation of 128+ elite professional and student dancers ranging from 13 to 42 (including dancers returning to work post childbirth) and current literature.

Anatomical connections and the specificity of the hip external rotator muscle group action to hip positions in dance will be discussed. Real time Ultrasound assessment of the function of the gluteus minimus, quadratus femoris, obturator internus and pelvic floor will be demonstrated with a focus on dancer specific applications. Potential implications for early dance training of muscle balance development and injury prevention strategies will be discussed.  A workshop approach will emphasize specific exercises to take home and readily apply in the dance training setting. 

Hip injuries are prevalent in dancers and impose time off rehearsal and performance.  Specific tools to assess hip / pelvic muscle function and a tailored rehabilitation programme for dance specific needs, is vital for the most expedient return to training. There are specific implications of this for female dancers returning to work post childbirth.  Further exploration in this area may increase the understanding we have of the impact of long term dance loads to the dancers? pelvic health. 

References:

Grimaldi A: Dynamic stabilization of the hip and pelvis: the importance of specificity in maximizing stability. Course Manual September 2006.

Sherburn M, Murphy C, Carroll S, Allen T, Galea M: Investigation of transabdominal real-time ultrasound to visualise the muscles of the pelvic floor. Aust J of Physiotherapy, 2005. 51(3): 167-70