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Lecture: Posterior Ankle Impingement - A clinical overview (Erika Mayall)Foot and ankle injuries are some of the most common injuries in dancers. Posterior ankle impingement is one such injury; and is a relatively common issue among dancers. It can be caused by soft tissue and/or bony impingement. This presentation will review the patho-anatomy of posterior ankle impingement, explore the biomechanics and dance technique that may predispose some dancers to developing impingement syndromes, and provide an overview of treatment options. Participants will gain an understanding of how posterior ankle impingement affects the injured dancer, modifications which may need to be made to dance training, and how to facilitate return to dance activities.
Lecture-Workshop: Death of the Classical Port de Bras - Smart exercises to correct a generational problem (Erika Mayall, Astrid Sherman)The use of smart phones and other mobile technology is increasing worldwide. One study at a Canadian university found 98% of participants reported using mobile hand-held devices. These finding are similar to rates reported in other countries. The average time spent on these devices is upwards of 4hrs per day. Higher usage was reported among female adolescents when compared with male (5.39hrs vs 3.40hrs), with the highest rate occurring in 16 year old females (6.35hrs).
With increasing rates of smartphone use, there have been increased reports of musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and upper extremities. It has been shown that prolonged smartphone usage can contribute to postural dysfunctions characterized by adaptive shortening in some soft tissues with associated muscle weakness in others. In classical dance, this postural dysfunction does not allow for the achievement of traditional port de bras lines. A classical dancer is required to achieve extension through the upper thoracic spine, upward rotation of the scapula on the thorax and lateral rotation of the humerus and forearm5. When these anatomical positons cannot be achieved, compensations are made in the form of incorrect arm placement, improper scapulo-humeral rhythm, and/or incorrect recruitment of scapulo-thoracic muscles. This affects the aesthetic of the port de bras and leaves the dancer vulnerable to injury. This interactive lecture/workshop will explore the relationship between common postural faults and the ability to perform classical port de bras movements. Participants of this workshop will have the opportunity to experience for themselves the exercise program which was created as a collaborative effort between dance teacher, Pilates Instructor and physiotherapist to overcome postural dysfunction and enhance understanding of how to achieve classical port de bras. Incorporated are exercises that encourage scapular placement, establish scapulohumeral rhythm and improve the range and strength of the shoulder girdle and the upper spine. Exercises are performed in a manner that focuses on the artistic connection to classical dance to maximize motivation in students and increase transference to dance specific training. This workshop is suitable for dancers, dance educators and health care professionals. |
Erika Mayall |
Erika is a registered physiotherapist working in private practice in Vancouver, BC. With a background in dance, Erika has a special interest in treating dancers and other performing artists and is the onsite physiotherapist at Pro Arte Centre in North Vancouver. Erika is passionate about promoting healthy dance practice, and is actively involved in the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and sits of the board of Healthy Dancer Canada.
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