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Ballroom
Dance: An Unlikely Recipe for Physical Rehabilitation
By Karen
Goeller, CSCS
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.
By Karen M.
Goeller, CSCS
www.KarenGoeller.com
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 can make! I am still injured, the damage is
permanent, but I have obviously progressed tremendously.
April 2012 Update... I am planning to
compete in May.
May 2012 Update... I competed in the NYC
Ball and I WON!!! I came in 1st place in waltz, tango, quickstep, and
Viennese waltz. I came in 2nd place in foxtrot. I competed International
Standard Silver Levels 1 and 2.
Feel free to contact me with any questions,
comments, or to say hello...
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