The Importance of posture for a dancer

It is critical for dancers to have an adequate posture. When they do not, increased effort is required by the adjacent muscles and soft tissue and a series of compensations occur. As a result, the dancer’s movements are more difficult to execute, performance is affected and injuries are more likely to occur.

Osteopathic study

A study conducted in 2011 focused on the effect of osteopathic treatments on the posture of contemporary dancers. The study was carried out in collaboration with contemporary dance school LADMMI. In total, 34 students participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups and only the participants in one of the groups received osteopathic treatments. All of the participants had their posture assessed twice using the BioPrint posture software program. The posture-related information produced by the software program was used to compare any change in posture among the participants in both groups.

The posture-related data was analyzed and interpreted and the results showed a significant improvement in the alignment of certain body segments viewed from the frontal plane, including shoulders, pelvis, knees and feet, among only those participants who received osteopathic treatments. It was also observed that the posture of 33.33% of the participants who did not receive osteopathic treatments worsened significantly compared with 0% of the participants who received osteopathic treatments.

These results suggest that osteopathic treatments stabilized posture and/or slowed down any deterioration. Given the effect of osteopathic treatment on posture, an osteopath can contribute to preventing a dancer’s injuries and improving his or her overall balance.

Posture

Posture corresponds to the static and dynamic balance of a given body architecture. In more simple terms, it can be viewed as the result of a pile of bones and joints that are maintained and controlled by a muscular system as it fights against the effects of gravity. However, in reality, it involves a highly complex orchestration of the different ways in which the sensory and motor systems work together.

The muscular system is not the only system that plays a role in an individual’s balance. In fact, all of the body’s tissues—fascias, ligaments, skin, meninges, internal organs and their covering membranes—contribute to posture by acting as generators of passive forces within the organism.

Ideal posture

The ideal posture is not the same for everyone, given that each person’s constitution is unique. However, it is true to say that the best posture is the one that requires the least amount of muscular effort while protecting and supporting the body’s structures against injury and progressive deformations. Posture should therefore be considered based on functional criteria that are unique to each individual rather than on generalized aesthetic standards.

Consequences of postural distortion

Postural imbalance occurs in different ways based on daily lifestyle habits, physical activity, an individual’s morphology, previous surgeries or physical trauma, etc. An imbalance causes the body to compensate, which sooner or later results in various musculoskeletal disorders—increased pressure on the spinal column, nerves and organs, muscle tension, pain, joint degeneration over the long term (osteoarthritis), etc. Changes in bodily functions, such as breathing and hormone production, may also occur.

Osteopathy and posture

Osteopathy is particularly effective in harmonizing these postural imbalances. A dysfunctional posture is typically accompanied by stiffness in the body that are apparent to an osteopath. Through precise manipulations, the osteopath helps the body’s tissues regain the mobility and fluid motion that they need to function optimally.

When we sit for long periods of time, there is a change in the alignment of the spine and the tone of certain muscle groups. Through lack of use, your muscles atrophy, your shoulders roll forward, your back becomes rounder and your chin sticks out, all of which puts more pressure on your back muscles in order to hold your head up. Your spinal column is forced into a position that does not correspond to its normal physiology.

Posture Tips:

If you often have low back pain, tension between your shoulder blades, a sore neck or headaches, try following these tips:

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• Use an adjustable chair with good back and forearm support.
• The curve in your lower back must always be supported. Sit far back in your chair and then rest against the back of the chair.
• Avoid sitting in the same position for more than 20 or 30 minutes. Take a few minutes to change position or stretch.
• Don’t cross your legs.
• Vary the things you do at work and take part in different activities in your free time to avoid repeating the same movement for hours at a time.
• Exercise.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

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If the pain still persists for several days, contact us. After a detailed evaluation, the osteopath will design a treatment plan based on the problems identified and show you various ways of protecting your back.

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