What are Stated Gaps in Injury Prevention and Treatment Available on College Campuses for Dancers?

Abstract

This essay is dedicated to looking at the availability of medical assistance to dancers in the collegiate setting. Dance is a physically demanding activity with prolonged training timelines, however, there has been little dedication to the treatment and prevention of injuries in dance. The apparent lack of dedicated medical assistance dancers receive is what inspired this research. The objective was to better understand this lack and how it can be improved. It is important that dancers have resources available to help treat and prevent potential injuries, which will allow for longer and more fulfilling careers that do less chronic harm to their bodies. Based on a literature review contextualized further with first-person interviews, there are some opportunities that should be made accessible to collegiate dancers to help close this gap between the medical field and the dance industry. Recommendations include creating dance medicine facilities, providing cross training opportunities, creating experiences for athletic training or physical therapy students to learn about dancers as athletes, and prioritizing screenings for dancers. By creating resources that dancers can utilize and a comfortable environment where dancers can get help to treat and prevent injuries, this gap can be closed and could result in healthier dancers.