Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques in Collegiate Dancers

Many dancers base their identities and self-worth on being able to train, rehearse, and perform. Because of this, dancers are more likely to ignore any pain or discomfort and continue dancing, despite the risk of worsening pain or injuries. Injuries are very common in dancers due to repetitive motions, overuse of muscles and joints, improper technique, acute injuries, or energy balance deficits. The most common areas of pain and injury seen in dancers include the hips, knees, ankles, feet, and lumbar spine. While many current treatments are available for dance-related pain and injuries, many of them involve rest and time off from dancing, which many dancers are not willing to do. Although Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is not a substitute for rehabilitation and other treatments necessary for injuries, it may enhance their recovery time and prevent future injuries. This study aims to examine the significance of utilizing OMT to decrease dancers' performance-related pain, increase dancers' movement quality, and increase dancers' balance. OMT is the manipulation of the musculoskeletal system to assist the body in healing and strengthening itself while encouraging resistance to future stressors. Athletes, such as dancers, may find OMT beneficial for decreasing their pain, improving their range of motion, and preventing future injuries. Other athletes have reported satisfaction with OMT modalities in decreasing their injury-related pain and stress, decreasing their need for pain medications, and enhancing their recovery and return to activity. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess dancers' perceived performance-related pain, movement quality, and balance before and after OMT in the regions of the lumbar spine, hips, knees, ankles, and/or feet. Additionally, this study will collect data on the dancers' self-identity in relation to their role as athletes and potential risk factors for disordered eating. Future goals include conducting a larger study to treat and prevent dance-related injuries. Dancers from the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) dance team will be recruited to participate in this study. All dancers who choose to participate will be in the experimental group, there will not be a control group. Dancers will complete a survey and questionnaires to provide demographic information, their medical history, dance background, attitudes towards eating, ways in which they identify as an athlete, performance-related pain levels, and perceived movement quality and function while dancing. Dancers will also complete two 30-second balance tests with their eyes open and closed. Following completion of these forms and tests, dancers will be screened for somatic dysfunction(s) and treated appropriately by a medical student from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana (VCOM) and a supervising physician. After treatment, dancers will attend their practice as normal. Following this, study participants will be re-evaluated immediately after the dance practice, 24 hours later, and one week later. The results of this study may be utilized to write a paper, create a poster presentation, and support a larger study in the future. Significant results would be beneficial in the field of sports medicine to help guide appropriate treatment in dancers and provide more treatment options to allow them to continue dancing.