More people are interested in the sport of dance than ever before. The popularity of celebrity dance shows on television and the availability of dance classes from ballet and hip-hop to jazz and tap means that more people are dancing at every age. Fortunately for the dancers in our community, the professionals at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates are here to help them stay on their toes. I sat down with Dr. Richard Lamour to learn more about dancer wellness and injury prevention. Dr. Lamour did a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at the Las Vegas Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Institute. He had the opportunity to treat many of the members of the famous Cirque du Soleil troupe and is bringing that expertise and experience to our local dancers.
Dr. Lamour is educating dancers and their parents about the best way to stay healthy and injury free while maintaining a rigorous dance schedule. He wants dancers to know that it is important to listen to their bodies and address issues before they turn into major obstacles to dancing. “Dancers, like many other athletes, are often reticent to slow down and take a break when they are suffering from an ankle sprain or a bone bruise,” explains Dr. Lamour. “Seeing a professional, identifying the problem and coming up with a diagnosis and plan is the first step to avoiding a prolonged injury or even surgery.”
Contrary to what many may think, orthopaedic surgeons are happy when they can help their patients to avoid surgery. “In fact, very few dance injuries require surgical intervention if diagnosed early,” adds Dr. Lamour.
Ankle sprains are the most common dance injury. Some will heal on their own, but 20-30 percent of these sprains can have complications such as an avulsion fracture, or a small fragment of bone tearing away. Bone bruises and cartilage tears are an example of injuries that can occur due to a physical trauma but most injury is due to overuse. Olympia Orthopaedic Associates wants dancers to know that there is world-class care right here in our community to help keep dancers on their feet.
Thurston County is a very dance-friendly community. Along with numerous dance studios, we have two college-based dance programs as well as local performers. When a dancer experiences pain or injury they are encouraged to follow the PRICED protocol. Protect the injury, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Diagnosis. An appointment with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates can help to ensure that there won’t be further damage to an already compromised area.
Keeping Gymnasts on the Mat
Another sport that enjoys a widespread popularity throughout our community is gymnastics. Like dance, gymnastics is a rigorous activity that requires repetitive motion in areas like ankles, wrists and knees. Dr. Tracy Hamblin is a physician at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates who specializes in Sports Medicine. Dr. Hamblin relates to the demands that gymnastics places on the body because she herself was a competitive gymnast. She understands the long hours of training that are required of athletes to excel at the higher level. “I was a gymnast with Olympic hopes until an injury sidelined my own gymnastic dreams,” she shares. “My experiences with sports and injuries sparked my interest in a career in sports medicine.”
Emily Lackey is a gymnast at Alley Oop Gymnastics Center and a patient of Dr. Hamblin. Emily’s mom Karin says that the combination of a great coach and a great doctor is key to Emily’s success as a gymnast. “She has a great relationship with Dr. Hamblin and trusts her to help her make good decisions,” says Karin Lackey.
“Developing really good foundational strength is very important to protecting the body,” explains Dr. Hamblin. Activities like Pilates and Yoga strengthen the smaller structural muscles that in turn protect the larger musculoskeletal system. “It is important to know when to back off,” she adds. “It can be hard for adolescents to understand the concept of rest and sometimes their fears prevent them from seeking treatment.”
Dr. Hamblin concurs with Dr. Lamour that in the area of dance and gymnastics, rarely is surgery the best answer. “We always try non-operative measures first and we can take films or do an MRI to rule out anything that is too serious,” assures Dr. Hamblin.
Gymnasts and dancers can be reassured that the professionals at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates not only understand the rigors of their training, but have the tools to keep them training as soon as possible after an injury. For more information, visit the Olympia Orthopaedic Associate website.
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