Practical Assessment and Rehabilitation of the Dancer Case Study: Difference between revisions

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== Pre-Pointe Assessment ==
== Pre-Pointe Assessment ==
'''1. [[Pre Pointe Assessment|Airplane Test]]'''<ref name=":0">DeWolf A, McPherson A, Besong K, Hiller C, Docherty C. [https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jmrp/jdms/2018/00000022/00000004/art00005 Quantitative measures utilized in determining pointe readiness in young ballet dancers.] Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 2018 Dec 1;22(4):209-17.</ref>
'''1. Airplane Test'''<ref name=":0">DeWolf A, McPherson A, Besong K, Hiller C, Docherty C. [https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jmrp/jdms/2018/00000022/00000004/art00005 Quantitative measures utilized in determining pointe readiness in young ballet dancers.] Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 2018 Dec 1;22(4):209-17.</ref>


The dancer must be in the correct starting position and be given the appropriate cues to complete the test. Detailed instructions for this test is available [[Pre Pointe Assessment|here]]. Always remember to test and compare both sides. When conducting this test try to observe: pelvic control, knee alignment, coordination control of movements and the ability to maintain square, level hips. It is advisable to record this test, for an easier analysis and to provide feedback to the dancer.
The dancer must be in the correct starting position and be given the appropriate cues to complete the test. Detailed instructions for this test are available [[Pre Pointe Assessment|here]]. Always remember to test and compare each side. When conducting this test, it is important to observe: pelvic control, knee alignment, coordination, control of movements and the ability to maintain square, level hips. It is advisable to make a video recording of this test. This enables the assessor to analyse the movement in detail and provides feedback to the dancer.


Ms E completed the test on both the left and the right sides. On her left side, she demonstrated a slight lift of her hip on the raised limb. She did, however, present with good alignment, control and balance. On her right side, her alignment and control were better than on the left side.
Ms E completed the test on both the left and the right sides. On her left side, she demonstrated a slight lift of her hip on the raised limb. She did, however, present with good alignment, control and balance. On her right side, her alignment and control were better than on the left side.


'''2. [[Pre Pointe Assessment|Single Leg Heel Raise]]'''<ref name=":0" />
'''2. Single Leg Heel Raise'''<ref name=":0" />


When Ms E completed the single leg heel raise test on her left side, she rolled between her toes going up and down and demonstrated slight sickling of her foot. When testing the right side, the alignment of Ms E's foot was incorrect and she lifted her big toe up completely. There was also clawing of her toes. On repeating the test, Ms E's bottom leg moves away from her other leg. This compensation is an attempt to gain control and stability. The clawing of her toes indicates that her intrinsic muscles are gripping the floor. Moreover, she is rolling over and cannot stay as centered / aligned as she did on her left leg.
When Ms E completed the single leg heel raise test on her left side, she rolled between her toes while going up and down and demonstrated slight sickling of her foot. When testing the right side, the alignment of Ms E's foot was incorrect and she lifted her big toe up completely. There was also clawing of her toes. When repeating the test, Ms E's bottom leg moved away from her other leg. This compensation is an attempt to gain control and stability. As is discussed [[Biomechanics of the Dancer’s Ankle and Foot#Three Key Elements in a .22Good.22 Ballet Foot|here]], the most important role of the intrinsic foot muscles for ballet dancers is to oppose the clawing effect of the long flexors of the toes.<ref name=":1">Green-Smerdon M. Biomechanics of the Dancer’s Ankle and Foot Course. Physioplus, 2022.</ref> Moreover, in this test, Ms E was rolling over and could not stay as centered / aligned as she did on her left leg.


'''3. [[Pre Pointe Assessment|Topple Test]]'''<ref>Altmann C, Roberts J, Scharfbillig R, Jones S. [https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jmrp/jdms/2019/00000023/00000001/art00006 Readiness for en pointe work in young ballet dancers are there proven screening tools and training protocols for a population at increased risk of injury?]. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 2019 Mar 15;23(1):40-5.</ref>  
'''3. Topple Test'''<ref>Altmann C, Roberts J, Scharfbillig R, Jones S. [https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jmrp/jdms/2019/00000023/00000001/art00006 Readiness for en pointe work in young ballet dancers are there proven screening tools and training protocols for a population at increased risk of injury?]. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 2019 Mar 15;23(1):40-5.</ref>  


The topple test assesses a dancer’s ability to perform a single clean pirouette.<ref>Hewitt S, Mangum M, Tyo B, Nicks C. [https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jmrp/jdms/2016/00000020/00000004/art00003 Fitness testing to determine pointe readiness in ballet dancers]. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 2016 Dec 15;20(4):162-7.</ref> Like the airplane test, it is vital to take a video recording of this test because the movement is performed very quickly. Thus, it is too difficult to check all the points with the naked eye. A video also helps the assessor to give feedback to the dancer.
The topple test assesses a dancer’s ability to perform a single clean pirouette.<ref name=":2">Hewitt S, Mangum M, Tyo B, Nicks C. [https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jmrp/jdms/2016/00000020/00000004/art00003 Fitness testing to determine pointe readiness in ballet dancers]. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 2016 Dec 15;20(4):162-7.</ref> Like the airplane test, it is vital to take a video recording of this test because the movement is performed very quickly. Thus, it is too difficult to check all the points required for a pass with the naked eye. A video also enables the assessor to give feedback to the dancer.


When Ms E completed this test, her placement and landing were slightly off and needed to be more centered. She rolled over her toes and was not able to maintain her alignment when on pointe.  
When Ms E completed this test, her placement and landing were slightly off and needed to be more centered. She rolled over her toes and was not able to maintain her alignment when on pointe.  


'''4. Single Leg Saute<ref>Lynn Batalden PT. [https://www.proquest.com/openview/d70eb2979a20a874508323e2a67e1fed/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=5425112 Pointe-Readiness Screening and Exercise for the Young Studio Dancer]. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice. 2020;32(1):48-50.</ref>'''
'''4. Single Leg Sauté'''<ref>Batalden L. [https://www.proquest.com/openview/d70eb2979a20a874508323e2a67e1fed/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=5425112 Pointe-Readiness Screening and Exercise for the Young Studio Dancer]. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice. 2020;32(1):48-50.</ref>


When conducting a PrePointe Assessment, try and split the Single Leg Heel Raise and the Sauté because they both work and calf endurance, therefore results will not be accurate as there will be a component of fatigue. The Sauté Test is a series of 16 consecutive jumps. On the left, Ms E begins to flex her hips and lean forwards. she also does not get as high up onto her pointe ad the jumps proceed. On the right, Ms E doesn't jump as high and the landings are significantly more erratic instead of in one spot. As she tires, her upper body begins to sway as compensation.
When conducting a pre-pointe / dancer assessment, it is beneficial to avoid performing the single leg heel raise and the sauté sequentially back-to-back because both tests evaluate calf endurance. Therefore, results will not be accurate if the tests are performed one after the other as the dancer may be affected by fatigue. The sauté test is a series of 16 consecutive jumps.<ref name=":2" /> The test is described in detail [[Pre Pointe Assessment|here]]. When testing her left side, Ms E began to flex her hips and lean forwards. She was unable to get as high up onto her pointe as she completed more repetitions. On her right side, Ms E could not jump as high and her landings were significantly more erratic - she was unable to land in one spot. As she tired, her upper body began to sway as a compensation.


'''5. Pencil Test<ref>Bonham K. [https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1397&context=senior_theses The Prevalence and Efficacy of Cross-training in a Professional Ballet Environment: A Literature Review.] (2021). ''Senior Theses''. 397</ref>'''
'''5. Pencil Test'''<ref>Bonham K. [https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1397&context=senior_theses The Prevalence and Efficacy of Cross-training in a Professional Ballet Environment: A Literature Review.] (2021). ''Senior Theses''. 397</ref>


The pencil lie flat on top of her foot when conducting this test. She should perform well on this test as we know she is hypermobile.  
The pencil test assesses the overall plantar flexion range of the ankle-foot complex.<ref>Richardson M, Liederbach M, Sandow E. [https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jmrp/jdms/2010/00000014/00000003/art00002 Functional criteria for assessing pointe-readiness]. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 2010 Sep 1;14(3):82-8.</ref> Because of Ms E's hypermobility (evidenced by her Beighton score), one would expect her to have good plantar flexion range. In the pencil test, the pencil lay flat on top of Ms E's foot.
 
These five tests are all discussed in more detail on the [[Pre Pointe Assessment]] page.  


== Quick Point Shoe Assessment ==
== Quick Point Shoe Assessment ==
Ms E dances in a Grishkho's pointe shoe. On testing, Ms E hypermobile, this means her shoe should offer more strength and support and structure. When assessing the shoe, she appears to have a very flexible shank on both the left and the right.  
The pointe shoe is discussed in detail [[Anatomy of the Pointe Shoe|here]].  


On subjective assessment she revealed the shoes had been broken in by normal walking, normal ballet class and barre class.
Ms E dances in a Grishkho's pointe shoe. As discussed above, Ms E is hypermobile. Therefore, an ideal pointe shoe for Ms E would offer more strength, support and structure. However, when assessing her shoes, both had very flexible shanks.  


On initial assessment, she has an incorrect pointe shoe fitting.
On subjective assessment, Ms E revealed that her shoes had been broken in by normal walking, normal ballet class and barre class.
 
On initial assessment, it appears that she has had an incorrect pointe shoe fitting:


'''1. Rise'''
'''1. Rise'''


The patient begins in parallel, which makes it easier to compare left and right, and moves from flat on the floor up into pointe. This is a quick test to check alignment  and the effort to move onto Pointe. When conducting this assessment, it is most effective if the patient moves through a demi-plié and then onto a pointe, and then reverse it.  
The patient begins in parallel, which makes it easier to compare the left and rights. She moves from flat on the floor up into pointe. This is a quick test to check alignment  and assesses the level of effort required to move onto pointe. When conducting this assessment, it is most effective if the patient moves through a demi-plié and then onto a pointe, and then reverses the movement.<ref name=":1" />


When Ms E performs this test her left knee is locked into hyperextension. The transition onto pointe is jerky and comprises of two movements where as it should be one fluid movement. At the end of the movement she collapses onto pointe instead of rising up and controlling the movement.  
When Ms E performed this test, her left knee was locked into hyperextension. Her transition onto pointe was jerky and comprised of two movements rather than one fluid movement. At the end of the movement, she collapsed onto pointe instead of rising up and controlling the movement.  


When she is up on pointe, she is knuckling over or falling forward onto pointe. She has overshot getting onto the box, is not able to control and hold her foot up. There is give, or collapse in the foot. This is resulting in an overstretching these ligaments and tendons in the front.
When she was up on pointe, she knuckled over or fell forward onto pointe. She overshot getting onto the box, and was not able to control / hold her foot up. There was  give, or collapse in her foot. This results in an overstretching of the ligaments and tendons in the front.


'''2. Point'''
'''2. Pointe'''


On conducting a point assessment, Ms E over-collapses into a wing or a sickle on the right. The left is slightly better aligned.  
During the pointe assessment, Ms E over-collapsed into a wing or a sickle on her right side. Her left side was slightly better aligned.  


'''3. Plie'''
'''3. Plié'''


When Ms E performs a plié she slightly rolls in on her feet, creating a collapse in her turnout. If the therapist offers correction, this increases the difficulty for Ms E, although it can be maintained.
When Ms E performed a plié, she slightly rolled in on her feet, creating a collapse in her turnout. When the therapist offered a correction, Ms E found the movement was more difficult, but could maintain the position.  


Ms E is then asked to perform a grande plié, and it is apparent her heels are not the same height. As she moves out of her grande plié, she falls slightly out of alignment which could be indicative of weak intrinsic muscles.   
Ms E was then asked to perform a grande plié, and it was apparent that her heels were not at the same height. As she moved out of her grande plié, she fell slightly out of alignment, which could be indicative of weak intrinsic muscles.   


== Objective Assessment and Findings ==
== Objective Assessment and Findings ==
'''1. Observe Pain Provocating Movement - The Roll Over'''
'''1. Observe Pain Provocating Movement - The Roll Over'''


On observation of Ms E's roll over, her foot is collapsing out and losing alignment.
On observation of Ms E's roll over, her foot collapsed out and lost alignment.  
 
When correcting this, Alignment Markers can be drawn and she can be asked to do this in front of a mirror to offer visual input until she has the strength and proprioception to complete the task without the assistance. Added to that, teaching Ms E where the correct alignment is will help significantly with rollovers.


'''2. Drawing Alignment Markers and checking''' '''alignment of foot''' <ref>Bronner S, Lassey I, Lesar JR, Shaver ZG, Turner C. [https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/scimed/mppa/2020/00000035/00000001/art00004 Intra-and inter-rater reliability of a ballet-based dance technique screening instrument.] Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 2020 Mar 1;35(1):28-34.</ref><ref>Khan K, Brown J, Way S, Vass N, Crichton K, Alexander R, Baxter A, Butler M, Wark J. [https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-199519050-00004 Overuse injuries in classical ballet]. Sports Medicine. 1995 May;19(5):341-57.</ref>
In order to help correct this, alignment markers can be drawn on. The dancer can also be asked to repeat the movement in front of a mirror. This offers visual input until the dancer has the strength and proprioception to complete the task without the assistance. Teaching the correct alignment can also help with rollovers.<ref name=":1" />  


Place a marker on the point between the lateral and medial malleolus, draw a straight line down to the the second toe.  
'''2. Drawing Alignment Markers and Checking''' A'''lignment of the Foot''' <ref>Bronner S, Lassey I, Lesar JR, Shaver ZG, Turner C. [https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/scimed/mppa/2020/00000035/00000001/art00004 Intra-and inter-rater reliability of a ballet-based dance technique screening instrument.] Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 2020 Mar 1;35(1):28-34.</ref><ref>Khan K, Brown J, Way S, Vass N, Crichton K, Alexander R, Baxter A, Butler M, Wark J. [https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-199519050-00004 Overuse injuries in classical ballet]. Sports Medicine. 1995 May;19(5):341-57.</ref>


When the dancer points her toe, the line should be straight and not sickling or over-winging.  The dancer can also place her feet together in parallel and rise onto demi-pointe and the marker should create a vertical line.
Place a marker on the point between the lateral and medial malleolus, draw a straight line down to the the second toe. When the dancer points her toe, the line should be straight. She should not sickle or over over-wing.  The dancer can also place her feet together in parallel and rise onto demi-pointe and the marker should create a vertical line.<ref name=":1" />


== Intervention and Outcome ==
== Intervention and Outcome ==
This patient was given five simple exercises to help strengthen the muscles, and improve foot control and awareness.  
This patient was given five simple exercises to help strengthen her muscles, and improve foot control and awareness.  


'''1. Doming'''
'''1. Doming'''


Doming is a good exercise for this dancer as she was gripping and clawing with her toes on the ground which indicates weak intrinsic muscles. This exercise encourages lifting of the metatarsal heads and the transverse arch. The outcome should be flat, straight toes while lifting up the metatarsal head.
Doming is a good exercise for this dancer as she was gripping and clawing with her toes on the ground, which indicates weak intrinsic muscles. This exercise encourages lifting of the metatarsal heads and the transverse arch. The toes should be flat / straight while the metatarsal head is lifted.
{{#ev:youtube|Wc6Zdgeq7ZU}}
{{#ev:youtube|Wc6Zdgeq7ZU}}
'''2. Big Toe Up'''  
'''2. Big Toe Up'''  


This exercise requires the four small toes to be kept comfortable on the ground while lifting the big toe up. This exercise will target the [[Extensor Hallucis Longus]].  
The four small toes are kept comfortable on the ground while the big toe is lifted up. This exercise will targets the [[Extensor Hallucis Longus|extensor hallucis longus]].  
{{#ev:youtube|9koRqQhN8QE}}
{{#ev:youtube|9koRqQhN8QE}}
'''3.''' '''Big Toe Down'''   
'''3.''' '''Big Toe Down'''   


This exercise requires the four small toes to be lifted up while keeping the big toe comfortable on the ground. This exercise will target the [[Extensor Digitorum Longus]].  
The four small toes are lifted up while the big toe is kept comfortable on the ground. This exercise targets the [[Extensor Digitorum Longus|extensor digitorum longus]].  
{{#ev:youtube|9koRqQhN8QE}}
{{#ev:youtube|9koRqQhN8QE}}
'''4. Piano-ing'''  
'''4. Piano-ing'''  


With this exercise, all ten toes are lifted up. the goal is to place each toe down, in order, beginning with the small toe and ending with the big toe. This is then completed in the opposite order, beginning with placing the big toe down first and ending with the small toe.
With this exercise, all ten toes are lifted up. The goal is to place each toe down, in order, beginning with the small toe and ending with the big toe. This is then completed in reverse order, beginning with the big toe down and ending with the small toe.


If there is any sign of gripping or clawing with the toes, as Ms E demonstrates, this exercise needs to be practiced until the toes are comfortable and relaxed straight.  {{#ev:youtube|Ai7eUHLr1G0}}
If there is any sign of gripping or clawing with the toes, as Ms E demonstrated, this exercise needs to be practised until the toes are comfortable and remain relaxed / straight.  {{#ev:youtube|Ai7eUHLr1G0}}
'''5. Big toe abduction'''   
'''5. Big Toe Abduction'''   


The last exercise recommended for Ms E is big toe abduction. The feet are placed parallel on the floor and the big toes are lifted up, moved towards each other and away the the other toes on the foot and placed down on the floor. The movement is then reversed by lifting the big toe up and returning it to the toes on that foot.  
The last exercise recommended for Ms E is big toe abduction. The feet are placed parallel on the floor. The big toes are lifted up, moved towards each other and away the the other toes on the foot (i.e. abduction) and placed down on the floor. The movement is then reversed by lifting the big toe up and returning it to the start position (i.e. adduction).  
{{#ev:youtube|IhmAFuP73Pw}}
{{#ev:youtube|IhmAFuP73Pw}}
== Outcome ==
== Outcome ==
Ms E has been asked no not practice pointe work until the has done her exercises and has no pain on the forefoot in the rollover and has been for a pointe shoe fitting assessment with a professional fitter.
Ms E was asked not to practise pointe work until: she had done her exercises; had no pain in her forefoot during in the rollover; and had been for a pointe shoe fitting assessment with a professional fitter.


== Treatment Recommendations ==
== Treatment Recommendations ==
Line 138: Line 140:
3. Theraband exercises
3. Theraband exercises


In all these exercises alignment and control are crucial to correct strengthening.  
In all these exercises, alignment and control are crucial to correct strengthening.  


* Plantarflexion strengthens the [[Gastrocnemius|Gastroc]]<nowiki/>s and [[Soleus]]. It is important to hinge at the ankle, keeping the toes stay dead straight, following through with pointing the toes, with no clawing.
* Plantarflexion strengthens the [[Gastrocnemius|gastroc]]<nowiki/>[[Gastrocnemius|nemius]] and [[soleus]]. It is important to hinge at the ankle, keeping the toes completely straight, following through with pointing the toes, and avoiding clawing
* Dorsiflexion strengthens the [[Tibialis Anterior]]
* Dorsiflexion strengthens the [[Tibialis Anterior|tibialis anterior]]
* Inversion with flat foot and pointed foot
* Inversion with flat foot and pointed foot
* Eversion with flat foot and pointed foot
* Eversion with flat foot and pointed foot

Revision as of 11:19, 23 May 2022

Original Editor - Carin Hunter based on the course by Michelle Green-Smerdon
Top Contributors - Carin Hunter, Jess Bell and Kim Jackson

Introduction[edit | edit source]

This case study forms part of the Practical Assessment of The Ballet Dancer Course

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Ms E is a 20-year-old ballet dancer. She has been dancing for 17 years and does ballet, tap, modern, contemporary dance and musical theatre.

She presents with a 7/9 score on the Beighton Scale[1] which shows she is hypermobile.[2] Her Beighton score was as follows:

LEFT RIGHT
1. Passive dorsiflexion and hyperextension of the fifth MCP joint beyond 90° 1 1
2. Passive apposition of the thumb to the flexor aspect of the forearm 0 0
3. Passive hyperextension of the elbow beyond 10° 1 1
4. Passive hyperextension of the knee beyond 10° 1 1
5. Active forward flexion of the trunk with the knees fully extended so that the palms of the hands rest flat on the floor 1 1  
TOTAL  7  / 9


Ms E's main complaint is pain on the top of both feet when going up onto pointe, doing a rollover and in roll-ups.

Pre-Pointe Assessment[edit | edit source]

1. Airplane Test[3]

The dancer must be in the correct starting position and be given the appropriate cues to complete the test. Detailed instructions for this test are available here. Always remember to test and compare each side. When conducting this test, it is important to observe: pelvic control, knee alignment, coordination, control of movements and the ability to maintain square, level hips. It is advisable to make a video recording of this test. This enables the assessor to analyse the movement in detail and provides feedback to the dancer.

Ms E completed the test on both the left and the right sides. On her left side, she demonstrated a slight lift of her hip on the raised limb. She did, however, present with good alignment, control and balance. On her right side, her alignment and control were better than on the left side.

2. Single Leg Heel Raise[3]

When Ms E completed the single leg heel raise test on her left side, she rolled between her toes while going up and down and demonstrated slight sickling of her foot. When testing the right side, the alignment of Ms E's foot was incorrect and she lifted her big toe up completely. There was also clawing of her toes. When repeating the test, Ms E's bottom leg moved away from her other leg. This compensation is an attempt to gain control and stability. As is discussed here, the most important role of the intrinsic foot muscles for ballet dancers is to oppose the clawing effect of the long flexors of the toes.[4] Moreover, in this test, Ms E was rolling over and could not stay as centered / aligned as she did on her left leg.

3. Topple Test[5]

The topple test assesses a dancer’s ability to perform a single clean pirouette.[6] Like the airplane test, it is vital to take a video recording of this test because the movement is performed very quickly. Thus, it is too difficult to check all the points required for a pass with the naked eye. A video also enables the assessor to give feedback to the dancer.

When Ms E completed this test, her placement and landing were slightly off and needed to be more centered. She rolled over her toes and was not able to maintain her alignment when on pointe.

4. Single Leg Sauté[7]

When conducting a pre-pointe / dancer assessment, it is beneficial to avoid performing the single leg heel raise and the sauté sequentially back-to-back because both tests evaluate calf endurance. Therefore, results will not be accurate if the tests are performed one after the other as the dancer may be affected by fatigue. The sauté test is a series of 16 consecutive jumps.[6] The test is described in detail here. When testing her left side, Ms E began to flex her hips and lean forwards. She was unable to get as high up onto her pointe as she completed more repetitions. On her right side, Ms E could not jump as high and her landings were significantly more erratic - she was unable to land in one spot. As she tired, her upper body began to sway as a compensation.

5. Pencil Test[8]

The pencil test assesses the overall plantar flexion range of the ankle-foot complex.[9] Because of Ms E's hypermobility (evidenced by her Beighton score), one would expect her to have good plantar flexion range. In the pencil test, the pencil lay flat on top of Ms E's foot.

These five tests are all discussed in more detail on the Pre Pointe Assessment page.

Quick Point Shoe Assessment[edit | edit source]

The pointe shoe is discussed in detail here.

Ms E dances in a Grishkho's pointe shoe. As discussed above, Ms E is hypermobile. Therefore, an ideal pointe shoe for Ms E would offer more strength, support and structure. However, when assessing her shoes, both had very flexible shanks.

On subjective assessment, Ms E revealed that her shoes had been broken in by normal walking, normal ballet class and barre class.

On initial assessment, it appears that she has had an incorrect pointe shoe fitting:

1. Rise

The patient begins in parallel, which makes it easier to compare the left and rights. She moves from flat on the floor up into pointe. This is a quick test to check alignment and assesses the level of effort required to move onto pointe. When conducting this assessment, it is most effective if the patient moves through a demi-plié and then onto a pointe, and then reverses the movement.[4]

When Ms E performed this test, her left knee was locked into hyperextension. Her transition onto pointe was jerky and comprised of two movements rather than one fluid movement. At the end of the movement, she collapsed onto pointe instead of rising up and controlling the movement.

When she was up on pointe, she knuckled over or fell forward onto pointe. She overshot getting onto the box, and was not able to control / hold her foot up. There was give, or collapse in her foot. This results in an overstretching of the ligaments and tendons in the front.

2. Pointe

During the pointe assessment, Ms E over-collapsed into a wing or a sickle on her right side. Her left side was slightly better aligned.

3. Plié

When Ms E performed a plié, she slightly rolled in on her feet, creating a collapse in her turnout. When the therapist offered a correction, Ms E found the movement was more difficult, but could maintain the position.

Ms E was then asked to perform a grande plié, and it was apparent that her heels were not at the same height. As she moved out of her grande plié, she fell slightly out of alignment, which could be indicative of weak intrinsic muscles.

Objective Assessment and Findings[edit | edit source]

1. Observe Pain Provocating Movement - The Roll Over

On observation of Ms E's roll over, her foot collapsed out and lost alignment.

In order to help correct this, alignment markers can be drawn on. The dancer can also be asked to repeat the movement in front of a mirror. This offers visual input until the dancer has the strength and proprioception to complete the task without the assistance. Teaching the correct alignment can also help with rollovers.[4]

2. Drawing Alignment Markers and Checking Alignment of the Foot [10][11]

Place a marker on the point between the lateral and medial malleolus, draw a straight line down to the the second toe. When the dancer points her toe, the line should be straight. She should not sickle or over over-wing. The dancer can also place her feet together in parallel and rise onto demi-pointe and the marker should create a vertical line.[4]

Intervention and Outcome[edit | edit source]

This patient was given five simple exercises to help strengthen her muscles, and improve foot control and awareness.

1. Doming

Doming is a good exercise for this dancer as she was gripping and clawing with her toes on the ground, which indicates weak intrinsic muscles. This exercise encourages lifting of the metatarsal heads and the transverse arch. The toes should be flat / straight while the metatarsal head is lifted.

2. Big Toe Up

The four small toes are kept comfortable on the ground while the big toe is lifted up. This exercise will targets the extensor hallucis longus.

3. Big Toe Down

The four small toes are lifted up while the big toe is kept comfortable on the ground. This exercise targets the extensor digitorum longus.

4. Piano-ing

With this exercise, all ten toes are lifted up. The goal is to place each toe down, in order, beginning with the small toe and ending with the big toe. This is then completed in reverse order, beginning with the big toe down and ending with the small toe.

If there is any sign of gripping or clawing with the toes, as Ms E demonstrated, this exercise needs to be practised until the toes are comfortable and remain relaxed / straight.

5. Big Toe Abduction

The last exercise recommended for Ms E is big toe abduction. The feet are placed parallel on the floor. The big toes are lifted up, moved towards each other and away the the other toes on the foot (i.e. abduction) and placed down on the floor. The movement is then reversed by lifting the big toe up and returning it to the start position (i.e. adduction).

Outcome[edit | edit source]

Ms E was asked not to practise pointe work until: she had done her exercises; had no pain in her forefoot during in the rollover; and had been for a pointe shoe fitting assessment with a professional fitter.

Treatment Recommendations[edit | edit source]

1. Ball rolling

2. Intrinsic stretching and massage

3. Theraband exercises

In all these exercises, alignment and control are crucial to correct strengthening.

  • Plantarflexion strengthens the gastrocnemius and soleus. It is important to hinge at the ankle, keeping the toes completely straight, following through with pointing the toes, and avoiding clawing
  • Dorsiflexion strengthens the tibialis anterior
  • Inversion with flat foot and pointed foot
  • Eversion with flat foot and pointed foot

 References[edit | edit source]

  1. Alter M. Science of Flexibility. Sheridan books 2004 (third edition); page 89
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