Physio advice for anyone following in celebs’ dancing footsteps

Disclaimer: This blog summarises archived material originally produced by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). The original CSP press release providing ballroom dancing injury guidance is no longer publicly available. Quotes from physiotherapist Sammy Margo are taken from the original CSP communication.

The recent craze for TV celebrity dance shows may be taking its toll on the bodies of audiences and stars alike.

The recent craze for TV celebrity dance shows may be taking its toll on the bodies of audiences and stars alike. Programmes like the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing (Telegraph, 2007) have influenced a surge in the number of people taking dance classes and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) wants to make sure people aren’t unprepared and heading for injury.

Celebrities are always looking for new ways to boost their profile and these shows present a novel opportunity, but ballroom dancing is very different from being in a TV studio and outside of most celebs’ usual remit.

The intensive training and complex moves needed to perform and compete in front of the nation is leading to some celebrities developing painful conditions. In the current series alone, actress Stephanie Beacham has been reported as having back pain and GMTV presenter Kate Garraway is said to be suffering from tendonitis.

Physiotherapists support the new popularity of ballroom dancing as it is an effective and fun way to stay fit, increase stamina and flexibility, strengthen and tone muscles, and help weight loss. But physios are keen to raise awareness that people who are not used to the physical demands may be at risk of an injury.

Sammy Margo, chartered physiotherapist and spokesperson for the CSP, says: “Ballroom dancing is a great way to get fit. Sometimes you don’t even realise you’re having a workout because it’s so much fun. Physios would encourage people to take it up as an enjoyable way to exercise and lose weight.

“Anyone who wants to start dancing needs to do so gradually and build up their repertoire of moves. The celebrities may make it look easy, but starting a new form of exercise pushes the body to learn unfamiliar movements. This can be especially difficult for older people, whose tissues are less resilient and tend to recover from injury more slowly. Physios can advise on how to prepare the body for a new pastime. If you do acquire an injury, see a chartered physiotherapist as soon as possible.”

Source: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Archived Press Materials.

Additional context: The Telegraph reported similar findings in 2007 regarding increased participation in ballroom dancing.