Ballroom Dance,
Unlikely Recipe for Physical Rehabilitation…
Copyright
© Goeller This article is not for reprint without
written permission from the author.
Fractures,
herniated discs, and post traumatic stress were just a few of the problems I
faced after an accident. I was devastated when I could no longer work. I was in
pain all of the time from the damage to my spine.
For the first 6 years after my accident I listened to the
doctors " don't lift anything over 5 pounds Don't irritate the nerves in your
spine." After years of going to physical therapists, pain centers,
neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons I took matters into my own hands. I
already had vast knowledge of exercise and knew what triggered my symptoms. I
began to experiment with body weight exercises and light dumbbells. I made some
progress, but I still had terrible pain every day.
When I began to write my Swing Set Fitness books I performed some of the swing
exercises and I was shocked at how much I was able to do. Swing Set Fitness
helped me with upper and lower body strength. I finally started to feel ALIVE
AGAIN.
I made tremendous gains with strength and with my overall
well-being, but I was looking for something more. I needed a physical activity
that would help with low body coordination and balance, but it had to be safe
for me. And it had to fit my personality. Was there such a thing?
When I saw "Dancing with the Stars" I was curious as to whether
I should give ballroom dance a try. I knew there would be limitations with my
spine. I took ballet for many years, was a gymnast, and a gymnastics coach since
1978. I was definitely no stranger to movement. As I watched the stars dance I
saw some things that would not work for me, but I also saw enough that made me
say, " Why not?!?!"
I still
had to be careful in order to prevent more damage to my spine, but I
NEEDED to try this. It would be the first time I have attempted
movement in a non-controlled environment. All of my physical rehabilitation from
the accident was in controlled environments such as physical therapy offices or
my own home. I knew taking a ballroom dance class would be very risky because
the movements would be decided by my dance partner and my environment would not
be controlled. A bump from another couple or a fall could cause serious problems
to an already damaged body.
So I took the chance knowing that I could stop and leave the
class if necessary. The backwards walking was a real challenge for me. I did not
have the coordination, speed, or balance for most of the basic steps I
attempted. And dancing on a crowded dance floor was truly nerve racking. I was
terrified that I would crash into someone, but I had to trust
my dance partner to guide me safely. I got through the first class and went in
for a second, third, and fourth. It was a challenge, mentally and physically.
The ballroom dance classes have been amazing physical therapy
for my low body. And even better, there was moderate rather than intense pain
after most of the classes.
And here's a thought... I would not perform that many
low back kicks (back extensions), leg (quad) extensions, or hip flexor
contractions during any single exercise session. And who would want to
count that high when exercising! I had no idea how great the fox trot, tango,
and waltz are for improving low body strength and coordination until I started
to learn them. And it is a different strength than ballet or other forms of
dance. Ballroom dance has provided the missing component to my low body physical
rehabilitation. After taking about ten classes I have noticed that my balance
has improved and I am more coordinated.
Physical therapists should consider assigning ballroom dance to some of their
patients for low body coordination, balance, speed, and strength. The reaching
back with the foot for the backward step is a similar motion to a low back kick
(hip extension). As the female transfers her weight and propels her body
backwards, she performs quadriceps and hip flexor contractions. And ballroom
dance is sure to help people with posture. When a previously active
individual is at a plateau in physical rehabilitation, ballroom dance just might
be the best therapy.
So who do I recommend for ballroom dance in New Jersey?
Check out All Star Ballroom in Brielle, NJ. The owner, Jim
Hempen, was a highly successful competitive dancer and is a great instructor. And what physical therapist do
I recommend? Give Michelle Wolpov, owner of Game Shape,
a call. Michelle has tremendous sports and physical therapy experience. Game
Shape is in Manalapan, NJ.
By Karen
Goeller, CSCS
An update... It's now July 2010 and I've been dancing since late
September 2009. Not only am I feeling better, I am learning more and more each
week. I have realized that the waltz is my favorite because of the graceful
movements, the beautiful music, and it is gentle on my body. It is truly
relaxing. My second favorite is a toss-up between the quickstep and tango. I
really enjoy both equally. When I signed up for ballroom lessons, my original
goal was to improve my low body coordination and balance.
Here's the good news... I was asked if I am interested in doing a
showcase or competing. Wow, what a difference a few group classes and private
lessons at All Star Ballroom can make! I am still injured, the damage is
permanent, but I have obviously progressed tremendously. I am seriously
considering doing one or the other.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or to say hello...
You will be leaving this website if you click on the Time To
Dance button. Please bookmark our website before you leave and return to us
really soon!
.
