Performing artists endure significant physical demands and stress due to the rigorous nature of their discipline. Whether it's intense training, demanding rehearsals, or specific discipline requirements, these individuals face a heightened susceptibility to illness and injury. In this blog we will discuss various risk factors associated with an increase in injury rate from the perspective of a performing arts clinic.

How to reduce these risks?

Internal risk factors:

Intense rehearsal will fatigue muscles, making them more susceptible to injuries. Although it is not possible to alter the training intensity, other factors are to be considered.

• Sleep and rest: Sleep deprivation is a significant risk factor for injury as it is essential for muscle recovery and can lead to lowered attention span and concentration, and heightened pain perception.

• Nutrition: A varied and balanced diet is crucial in avoiding injuries as the nutrients will encourage bone, skin and muscle health and keep the nervous system healthy. Consuming a good amount of lean protein will also help with muscle repair.

• Physical training: Having a good understanding of the body's mechanics behind the movements performed is crucial as it can help avoid injuries resulting due to compensation. It is important to do other physical activities in addition to the specific training needed for the performance, to avoid muscular imbalance which may result in various injuries.

• Warm up/ Cool down: Warming up and cooling down properly before and after a rehearsal or performance can reduce the risk of injury and accelerate muscle recovery time.

Environmental factors:

The setting in which rehearsals and performances take place can present potential dangers to performing artists. Although not all dangers can be removed, it is important to identify these and adapt where possible to reduce the risk of injury.

• Setting: It is essential to reduce hazards. Regularly sweeping the floors, having proper footwear and flooring for dancers or monitoring noise exposure and wearing hearing protection for musicians are a few ways to do so.

• Accessories: removing unnecessary accessories during rehearsals

Importance of seeking care post injury form a performing arts clinic:

If an injury does occur, it is crucial to seek professional help as early as possible. Doing so may significantly minimise the initial impact of the injury, accelerate the recovery time, and ultimately contribute to a more favourable prognosis. Recovering from an injury is not just about reducing the pain and discomfort. It is crucial for the performer to regain full function and to reduce the risk of future injuries by addressing the risk factors mentioned above. Therefore, seeking medical advice from a specialised therapist or a performing arts clinic who may have a deeper understanding of the physical and mental demands of the performing arts may be beneficial. The goal is to help the performer recover and build strength to return to or surpass their pre-injury state.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about osteopathy, please contact us. You can find us just a few minutes walk from Clapham Common station. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

Marshall, G.J.G. and Turner, A.N. (2016) “The importance of sleep for athletic performance,” Strength & Conditioning Journal, 38(1), pp. 61–67. DOI:10.1519/ ssc.0000000000000189.

Russell JA. (2013) “Preventing dance injuries: current perspectives,” Open Access J Sports Med, 30(4), pp. 199-210. DOI: 10.2147/OAJSM.S36529.

Safran, M.R., Seaber, A.V. and Garrett, W.E. (1989) “Warm-up and muscular injury prevention,” Sports Medicine, 8(4), pp. 239–249. DOI: 10.2165/00007256-198908040-00004.