What is the purpose of a Pre-Pointe Assessment?
For most young dancers who do ballet, the prospect of going “en pointe” is a very exciting one. However, this is not a step that should be taken lightly. The position of standing on one’s toes is not a normal human movement and places a great deal of stress on the foot and ankle. Inadequate preparation can be problematic, both physically and aesthetically. Although your ballet educator may have a good idea of your preparedness, a focused and individualized profile should be conducted by a physiotherapist with extensive dance knowledge. This is to ensure that the ballet dancer has the technique, strength, and control to participate safely and effectively on pointe.
Who is our Brisbane Pre-Pointe Assessment for?
For any dancer looking to progress to pointe work. Dancers transitioning to pointe work should ideally:
- be at least 12 years old
- be participating in at least 2 ballet classes per week
- has completed 4 years of dancing
- have adequate foot and ankle mobility
- have adequate trunk and pelvic control
↑ Select an Express Pre-Pointe or Pre-Pointe Profile above to make a booking ↑
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Find out the 4 common injury risk factors identified in Pre-Pointe Assessment, with this FREE resource.
PHYSIOTEC BRISBANE PRE-POINTE ASSESSMENTS
At PhysioTec we offer two types of prepointe assessment:
PHYSIOTEC
EXPRESS PRE-POINTE
A 30-minute appointment to cover the minimum requirements to safely start pointe work.
What we look at:
- Foot and ankle mobility, basic dance-specific alignment and movement control.
- Strengthening and control exercises given based on the tests performed
- Advice is given on pointe shoe choice if necessary
Who is this best for?
This assessment is recommended for those who are not quite ready to go en-pointe, but would like a quick screening to see if there is anything they need to work on before a formal profiling assessment. Usually best completed 3-6 months prior to planned Pointe transition.
PHYSIOTEC PRE-POINTE PROFILING
A 60-minute appointment to provide a comprehensive pre-pointe dancer profile.
INCLUDES the basic express pre-pointe factors PLUS:
- Trunk, hip, knee, ankle and foot orthopaedic tests
- Dance-specific alignment and technique assessment
- Strength and endurance measurements of key movements and muscles
- Foot intrinsic muscle assessment
- Exercise programming for any specific concerns and general conditioning
Who is this best for?
This assessment is recommended for those who think they are ready to go en-pointe. A more detailed assessment is performed to give you the best opportunity for a safe, successful transition to pointe work. Usually best completed at least 6-8 weeks prior to planned Pointe transition.
Further information on our comprehensive Brisbane Prepointe Profiling Service
Key elements of a pre-pointe profiling assessment
During profiling we gather important information from the dancer and perform a thorough physical screening.
Prepoint profiling includes the following elements:
Dancer interview. First we collect some important information on:
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- Ballet training history
- Other sports or activities
- Any past or present pain and injuries
Range of motion through the lower limbs
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- This is especially important for the feet and ankles. For example, if the dancer lacks range through the ankle, they cannot get fully up on the platform of the toe box
Overall flexibility
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- Too much without control can be as problematic as too little, and put undue strain on structures of the toes, feet, ankles, and knees
Abdominal or “core” control
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- This is so important for balance and lumbopelvic stability and alignment
Strength, alignment, and control
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- For pointe work this is particularly important for the feet and ankles to reduce the risk of injury
Basic ballet technique
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- This may inform us of the need to address other areas such as turnout or flexibility
All these factors, along with the dancers age is considered to determine pointe readiness.
What happens after a pre-pointe profiling assessment?
It is common to find elements of concern, most of the time these can be addressed, only occasionally are therebiomechanical issues that prevent progression to pointe.
If we find elements that need work, we will develop an individualized exercise program with the dancer to address any deficits. We’ll take time with the dancer to explain corrections and teach specific exercises. We’ll also make sure the dancer understands why addressing these issues are important for pointe work. A follow up session will then be scheduled to see how the dancer is progressing.
Pointe work is a beautiful and special component of ballet, but it requires good technique, range of motion, strength, and control for success. Here at PhysioTec we have physiotherapists with an excellent understanding of ballet technique and the mechanics of anatomical function required to dance on pointe. We also know that waiting a little longer and working until you are stronger is a far better path than progressing onto pointe too early. You only get one set of feet so be sure to look after them and they’ll keep you dancing for years!
When is the best time to do a pre-pointe profiling assessment?
As dance classes wind down and students embark upon their summer holidays, if your child is one of those excited young dancers hoping to begin pointe in the new year, then a pre-pointe profile is highly recommended, and the end of the year is the idea time.
During a typical profile, we look at the strength of the legs, ankles, and feet as well as control and alignment. We look at the flexibility of the dancer – too much flexibility without the control can be just as problematic as too little. We’ll also assess stability around the trunk and check their balance – both so important for pointe work. Finally, we take a history of the dancers training and any injuries.
It’s not uncommon to find elements that need addressing before pointe work is commenced and the school holidays can provide an ideal time for the dancer to work on any potential issues. We will provide an individualized exercise program for the dancer, teach the exercises, and take time to explain why they are important. We’ll then schedule a follow up session to see how the dancer is progressing.
Download your FREE 2-page resource
Find out the 4 common injury risk factors identified in Pre-Pointe Assessment, with this FREE resource.
Book with one of our Pre-Pointe skilled Brisbane Physios
Our dance physio, Rhianna, understands how important and exciting making that step onto pointe can be for young dancers and is here to help them in achieving that goal as safely and successfully as possible. Call now to book in for Pre-Pointe Profile and get the dream started!
MAKE AN ENQUIRY ABOUT OUR BRISBANE PRE-POINTE SERVICES
Clinic Location
Our Brisbane Physiotherapy Clinic, services areas including: Brisbane, Tarragindi, Mount Gravatt, Holland Park, Rocklea, Yeronga, Annerley, Camp Hill, Carindale, Coorparoo, Salisbury, Sunnybank, Greenslopes, Seven Hills, Acacia Ridge, Indooroopilly, Woolloongabba, etc.
Because of our expertise in hip conditions, dance injuries and performance, and hypermobility, we also have people visiting us from all over Queensland, Australia and even international visitors. We also have a telehealth service for remote patients.
23 Weller Rd, Tarragindi QLD 4121, Australia
📞 Ph (07) 3342 4284 Fax (07) 3342 4204
reception@physiotec.com.au
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