Dance Physiotherapy at Flex Sports Physiotherapy
Hi! Carlee here – Flex’s dedicated Dance Physiotherapist. I had an amazing performing career for over 20 years, as a contemporary dancer and choreographer. I feel so lucky to have had that experience but now feel even more lucky to be able to combine my dance and Physiotherapy expertise to provide the highest level of care for performing artists, full time students and young dancers across Melbourne.
I am a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, which supports research in dance to produce resources for dancers, educators and clinicians to support dancers’ long-term health and well-being. I am passionate about integrating scientific-based clinical medicine with dance-specific rehabilitation and training to help dancers recover from injury or when possible, manage injuries while continuing to train and perform.
What kind of dancers do we work with at Flex?
I specialise in dance injury prevention, management and rehabilitation for dancers across all genres – from young students to elite professionals. At Flex, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals, and warmly welcome performing artists of the LGBTQIA+ community to our clinic.
Professional Dancers:
I work with professional dancers from renowned dance companies Chunky Move, Lucy Guerin Inc., and Stephanie Lake Company, as well as independent artists, street dancers and acrobats, rehabilitating them from acute injuries, managing their recovery after surgery, right through to preparing them for high performance events.
We focus on movement analysis, biomechanical repatterning and load management to ensure a successful recovery and to prevent future injuries. Professional dancers have a growing interest in strength training and at Flex we have the facilities and equipment necessary for the more specialised strength training required for dancers.
Tertiary Training / Full-time Students:
I am a guest lecturer of applied anatomy, somatic practices and conditioning at the Victorian College of the Arts (Melbourne University) and provide Physiotherapy advice and treatment to the students and staff. I have worked in tertiary education across many institutions (Australian Centre of Physical Education, Deakin University, University of New South Wales) and have a deep understanding of the physical and mental demands required to complete these degrees successfully. Students feel great benefits from the services we offer at Flex which include:
● Clinical Pilates for dancers
● Strength and Conditioning for dancers
● Dance injury assessment and rehabilitation
● Injury prevention and load management strategies
● Dance-specific exercise programs and advice on cross-training
● Tertiary Dance Screenings
Young Dancers:
My daughter Billie (12 years old) has just started at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS). I have a keen interest in working with developing bodies and guiding young dancers through the challenges of growth and training. Clinical Pilates for Dancers is an excellent way to improve technique, strength, flexibility and balance while young bodies change and navigate growth spurts and puberty. Another milestone to navigate is get
ting your first pair of pointe shoes! I know all too well how excited young dancers are to begin their ‘en pointe’ journey. I also know how important it is to be physically ready for the demands of pointe work and at Flex we support you every step of the way. We offer a comprehensive Pre pointe Assessment and further training if necessary to ensure you feel ready and confident for a safe transition.
With a deep understanding of both the physical and emotional demands of dance, I am committed to helping dancers perform at their best while prioritising their long-term health and well-being. If you are injured or would like to discuss any of the Specialist Dance Physiotherapy services we have to offer, click here to book your appointment with me.
