Pointe, Dance and Cheer
At baw baw physio and fitness we have practitioners with a special interest in dance stemming from their extensive personal experience in dance as well as further training in dance specific therapy.
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Whether it be before competitions or auditions, a change in training hours, retuning to dance after a long break, early signs of discomfort, following an injury or for pre pointe assessments our therapists are here to help.
Pre-Pointe
Assessement
What is a pre-pointe assessment?
Starting en pointe is such an exciting milestone for your child or yourself and baw baw physio and fitness can help you with this transition. We offer pre pointe assessments which are a one hour assessment that determines a dancer’s physical readiness to progress to pointe. We pride ourselves in both the education and physical preparation aspects of the pre-pointe journey.
What To Expect?
Starting pointe is an exciting step, but it requires strength, stability, and proper technique. Our Pre-Pointe Assessment ensures your dancer is ready to progress safely.
The therapist will take a detailed dance and health history, including dance experience, styles, weekly hours, and any injuries or health factors that may affect their dancing.
A physical assessment will then evaluate:
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Ankle flexibility and pointe range
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Foot and toe control
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Lower limb strength and mobility
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Turnout range
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Pelvic stability and core control through ballet positions and steps
After the assessment, your dancer will receive a tailored exercise program to strengthen and prepare their body for pointe work. These exercises target areas that need improvement and build the foundations for safe and effective pointe technique.
A detailed report will also be provided to your dance teacher, outlining the assessment results and exercises, so they can support your dancer in class. Depending on progress, 1–5 follow-up sessions may be recommended to monitor development and ensure all readiness criteria are met. Once your dancer has achieved the necessary strength, control, and alignment, they will be cleared to begin pointe training.
This process helps dancers progress safely, confidently, and with a strong foundation for a long and healthy dance journey.
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Dance/Cheer
Assessement
What is a Dance/Cheer Appointment?
A Dance/Cheer appointment is a specialised session with a allied health professional focused on the physical needs of dancers and cheerleaders. These appointments are designed to support performance, prevent injuries, and address existing issues that may affect training or routines.
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What To Expect?
During your appointment, the therapist will begin with a discussion of your dance or cheer history, including training hours, styles, past injuries, and any current concerns.
This will be followed by a physical assessment, which typically includes:
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Strength, flexibility, and mobility evaluation in key areas like ankles, feet, hips, core, and shoulders
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Posture, alignment, and technique review to reduce the risk of overuse injuries
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Injury screening and management, including treatment for muscle strains, joint pain, or overuse injuries
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Performance enhancement exercises tailored to dance or cheer demands, including jumps, turns, lifts, and tumbling
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Individualised exercise programs and home strategies to improve strength, flexibility, and stability
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After the assessment, the therapist will provide personalised exercises and strategies to support performance and prevent injury. A report or summary may also be shared with your dance or cheer coach to guide training.
Follow-up appointments can be scheduled as needed to monitor progress and adjust exercises as your dancer develops.
Common Injuries in Dance and Cheer:
Do you need a Referral?
Private Clients do not need a referral from your general practitioner (GP) or other medical specialist to book in for a Pre Pointe or Dance/Cheer Appointment.
