Abstract
Background and Purpose: There is scarce research on the management of injuries related to Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form. This case report describes similarities and differences between the dance forms of Bharatanatyam and ballet and applies research both on injury management of ballet dancers and on the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) to the rehabilitation of a 14-year-old female Bharatanatyam dancer.
Study Design: Single-subject case report.
Case Description: The patient presented with peripatellar pain, which prevented her from participating in Bharatanatyam dance (BD) classes. Key examination findings included 9/10 pain with stair negotiation, squatting, and dance steps, a 45% to 68% score range on the 5 subscales of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and abnormal pelvic and lower limb alignment during the performance of BD steps. Interventions included exercises for flexibility, core stabilization, proximal strengthening, and neuromuscular reeducation, taping, ankle joint mobilizations, and patient education.
Outcomes: By week 10, pain was 0/10 with stair negotiation, squatting, and dance steps. Scores on all 5 subscales of the KOOS increased to 100%. Significant improvement in pelvic and lower limb alignment was noted with BD steps.
Discussion: A comprehensive examination of biomechanics and musculoskeletal structures allowed for identification of specific impairments that contributed to abnormal lower limb mechanics during the performance of BD steps. A rehabilitation program that emphasized flexibility, core stabilization, proximal strengthening, and neuromuscular training was effective in the management of PFPS in this Bharatanatyam dancer.