A Teacher's Guide to Helping Young Dancers Cope with Psychological Aspects of Hip Injuries

Abstract

Hip injuries are a potentially significant and debilitating condition. In addition to the physical complications, there are serious psychological consequences that can be as incapacitating as the physical damage. This review presents two case studies that describe salient issues that may arise when a young dancer is injured, and outlines practical strategies to help teachers manage psychological recovery in class and rehearsal. The two adolescent females in these examples each suffered a long-term, chronic injury to the hip and were subsequently unable to dance for a period of several months. They each discuss the ongoing progress of the injury, and the resultant devastation they experienced emotionally. Practical strategies for helping young dancers cope with the psychological aspects of hip injuries include: modification of dance activities, alternative activities during dance practice, activities outside the studio, and the encouragement of psychosocial strategies for recovery. Each of these areas is examined and suggestions are provided for dance teachers dealing with injured dancers.