Injuries Among Dancers

Common Elbow, Wrist, Hand Injuries

 

 
 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:

Thoracic is a narrow space that runs between collarbones and the first rib and the neck muscles. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is when the nerve and blood vessels travel through thoracic outlet become compressed. Dancers will notice pain worsening over time while partnering dance movements, or carrying heavy dance bags. Dancers arms will have numbness, tingling, and cold sensation. Also the dancer will experience weakness or fatigue in arm and hand muscles.

Wrist Dislocation:

Dancers will complain about excruciating pain in the wrist at all times which then will lead to loss of hand and wrist function. a tramua will occur to cause a wrist dislocation. Visible deformity dislocated bones which could lead to paralysis below dislocation due to pressure, pinhcing or cutting of blood vessels or nerves.
 

Lateral Epicondylitis:

Lateral Epicondylitis is the inside and ouside of the elbow joint that are the insertion points for tendon groups that direct wrist and hand moevements. Most dancers symptoms will be difficulty holding onto objects and decrease in partnering. There will be a point of tenderness and swelling to the elbow.