R.I.C.E.

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

R.I.C.E. will be your best friend when an injury occurs. For the professional dancer injury prevention is a must.  Dancers have great physical demands placed on their bodies all the time and should condition themselves accordingly. If the unfortunate but common occurrence of an injury should happen the following steps will help get you on your toes.

When an injury happens while on the road touring or in the middle of a run rest may not be an option. For the few companies that offer them a physical therapist can be a life saver night after night. If budget and production don't allow for such a luxury homeopathic care can work. Ice as a first line of defense will slow swelling and numb pain to. Compression of an injured area will stabilize the injury while reinforcing strength. Bandaging helps artist feel secure while dancing and gives extra support to bones. For pain generic anti-inflammatory will keep you mentally alert and non lethargic.

Dancers typically do not take injury well because to carry out the simplest ballet exercises or dance movement not only is painful and limited but can quite often incur further injury delaying recovery. Rest and preserve overall strength, flexibility, and endurance while the injury heals. This often takes creative techniques. With the advances in dance medicine and fitness there are so may options for low impact injury recovery that a dancer can retain optimal condition while nursing an injury.