Rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency in a dancer using the clinical reformer and a balanced body exercise method

Abstract

Severe ligamentous knee injuries are uncommon in dance, but partial instability can be disabling. Because of the aesthetics required, use of a brace is not practical. The balanced body approach of exercise and rehabilitation can maximize the physiologic stabilizers of the knee and allow return to dance. While derived from the original principles of Joseph H. Pilates, current practitioners apply modern biomechanical and medical knowledge. The Reformer, a spring loaded exercise device first used by J.H. Pilates, can provide both a simulated environment for dance technique while allowing rest of the injured part and a method of cross training.