Committed to the overall health of its students, Boston Ballet School is pleased to offer physical therapy and nutrition counseling through Children's Hospital, Boston.
Scroll directly to:
Physical Therapy
Injury Prevention
Nutrition
PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES:
In conjunction with Children’s Hospital, Boston Ballet School is able to offer physical therapy services, on site, at Boston Ballet, 19 Clarendon Street, at a nominal charge of $50.00. The clinic, offered the first Saturday of each month between October and June, is staffed by physical therapists from the Department of Physical Therapy, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA. This staff also provides physical therapy services to the Boston Ballet Company dancers, the Boston Ballet Summer Dance Program, and DanceLab.
Students with a diagnosed injury must have a physical therapy referral signed by their physician and will need to have their first appointment in the physical therapy department at Children’s Hospital, Boston. This is necessary for both registration and insurance requirements. Physical Therapy Screenings and/or Consultations do not require a referral.
For more information, please refer to the letter from Children’s Hospital, mailed at the time of registration or ask a Studio Administrator for an additional copy. To schedule an appointment, call the Physical Therapy Department, Children's Hospital at (617) 355-7212. Please state that you are a Boston Ballet student.
INJURY PREVENTION:
There are several steps dancers can and should take to help prevent injuries:
1. Warm up properly. Dancers should arrive at the studio early to do light stretching and exercises focusing on the stomach and back. If they are recovering from an injury, the injured area should be specifically warmed-up prior to class.
2. Pay attention to nutrition. Eat well, as appropriate to your metabolism, to keep your muscles and bones strong and able to deal effectively with the extra strains and stresses of dancing. Intensive students are encouraged to consult with a nutritionist to obtain a peak performance nutrition plan.
3. Allow yourself time to fully recover from injuries. Be patient with your body, and be diligent in performing any physical therapy exercises you may have. Your teachers and principal will not penalize you for taking the time you need.
4. See your doctor if you believe you may be injured. Don’t take chances with your body. If you have pain at one site of your body which continues or increases as you are participating in classes, please see your doctor and inform your teacher. Early detection is the key to preventing serious injury. Please inform your teacher if your doctor has recommended a less rigorous class during your recovery period.
5. Ice Massage. If you are unable to see your doctor immediately when you suspect an injury, the best home treatment is to massage the affected area with ice. Eight minutes of ice massage, followed by a five-minute break, then eight more minutes of ice massage, three or four times per day, is usually adequate. Always use a thin cloth or towel between the ice and your skin, or be sure to keep the ice moving, and do not leave the ice on too long.
NUTRITION:
The health and safety of Boston Ballet School students is of utmost importance. Throughout the year, students are encouraged to maintain healthy eating and exercise habits.
Three nutrition clinics have been scheduled for winter 2008: Saturday, January 26: Saturday, March 1 & Saturday, March 29 in the mornings through the Division of Sports Medicine, Children's Hospital, Boston. Saturday clinics will be offered once a month, dates will be released one month in advance.
Most insurance plans are taken and some will require a referral. Some out of state plans may be subject to review. Please contact your health insurance provider if a referral is required. Boston Ballet School students receive priority when registering for the clinic. To register, please call 617.355.3501 and state that you are a Boston Ballet School student. For more information about the programs offered at Children's Hospital, Boston, please visit their website at http://www.kidssportsmed.org/
Jan Hangen, M.S., R.D., L.D.N is a Clinical Nutrition Specialist affiliated with Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine Clinic in Boston and Waltham. Ms. Hangen, who also runs a private practice, is Boston Ballet School’s recommended nutrition consultant. Ms. Hangen, who will also be offering workshops during the year, can help students develop a nutrition program that will optimize their dance experience. Her services are covered by all major health insurance providers. She can be reached at (617) 566-7100.
>Back to Student Services