UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine providers share their top tips for injury prevention among performing artists. The holiday season is officially here. For many, this time of year is associated with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s final ballet — the enchanting, dreamlike story of a girl whose nutcracker comes to life on Christmas Eve. This season, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Sports and Exercise Medicine team is entering its second year as the official sports medicine provider of Alabama Ballet. In this role, UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine uses its widespread expertise to cover a range of medical needs for performing artists, ranging from injuries to illnesses, nutrition and mental health.
For performing artists, overuse injuries tend to be some of the most common injuries UAB sports medicine physicians treat. These injuries are often caused by repetitive movements, high training volume and sometimes improper technique. Fortunately, Berdale Colorado, D.O., medical director for performing arts medicine, says there are steps performing artists can take to prevent some of these injuries.
Common injuries
Like many athletes, dancers have a specific set of injuries that are more likely to occur based on their movements and performance. Dancers commonly experience strains and sprains. Seventy-seven percent of orthopaedic dance injuries concern the lower extremities, such as the ankle and foot, followed by hip, back and knee injuries. Injuries can include stress fractures, knee pain, shin splints, lower back pain and foot problems. While musculoskeletal injuries are most common, dancers also have unique physical demands that can lead to injury of the peripheral nerves due to specific movements combined with countless hours of practice and repetition.
Colorado recently received the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Early PM&R Career Award. This award recognizes those who have made an impact on the future of PM&R through distinction in innovation, advocacy, leadership, service or clinical practice within 10 or fewer years in practice.
Prevention
Some factors that may increase the likelihood of injury include overtraining or practicing poor technique. To prevent injuries, Colorado recommends performance artists do proper warm-up exercises before increased physical activities to prevent injury and improve performance. With each practice and performance, it is important to warm up and cool down with stretches and light aerobic exercises.
“In addition to warm-up exercises, cross-training exercises can build strength and endurance in all the muscles of the body,” said Colorado, chief of Sports and Exercise Medicine and vice chair of Education in the UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Dancers should practice and perform in a safe environment by making sure the floor is free of debris and slick spots that could cause the dancer to trip or fall. Performances should occur in areas where there is enough space to prevent dancers from colliding with each other.
Last month, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education awarded Colorado the 2025 Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award. This award honors program directors who have fostered innovation and improvement in their programs and served as exemplary role models for residents and fellows. Colorado was one of 10 program directors selected in the United States.
Wearing the proper attire helps prevent injuries. Dancers should select the appropriate shoes for the type of dance they are performing.
“It is also important for performing artists to understand the importance of adequate sleep and proper nutrition in preventing injuries and improving overall health and wellness,” Colorado said. “Focus on staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet and taking sufficient rest in between sessions.”
What to do if injured
“If you are injured, do not ignore the pain,” Colorado said. “Seeking treatment early can prevent the injury from worsening and speed up the recovery process.”
Treatment options vary based on the dancer’s injury. For soft tissue injuries such as bruises, strains and sprains, doctors may recommend the RICE method, which consists of rest, icepacks, compression and elevation. Taking these measures can relieve pain, limit swelling and protect the injured tissues. Doctors may recommend measures for joint protection, physical therapy or surgery.
Peripheral nerve injuries may be seen among performing artists due to specific movements combined with countless hours of practice and repetition. Learn more by reading Colorado’s recent review article here.
With peripheral nerve injuries, Colorado says an early and accurate diagnosis of nerve injury is important for safe return to dance. In a recent review, Colorado recommends that physicians approach these injuries through a comprehensive treatment, which may include modifications in practice schedule, posture/position, and technique, in addition to consideration of medications, splints/orthoses, physical therapy, and injections.
“Performing artists should seek an evaluation with providers familiar with the unique demands of performing artists in order to obtain a comprehensive view of the medical problem and receive specialized care,” Colorado said. “We have a multidisciplinary team of health care providers including dietitians, physical therapists, athletic trainers and orthotists who have extensive experience working with performing artists.”
To make an appointment with UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine, visit uabmedicine.org or call 205-930-8339.