Being ready to go en pointe requires a number of factors and it is important for dancers to receive a pre pointe assessment prior to commencing this exciting next step in their dance journey. Pointe work requires a great deal of lower limb, foot and ankle strength as well as balance, trunk and shoulder control.
Overall strength - pointe shoes place increase stress demands not only on the foot and ankle but on the whole body. It is important to ensure the trunk and shoulder control is adequate to control the extra demand placed through the body without compromising the foot, knee or ankle.
When attending a pre-pointe assessment please ensure comfortable clothing that allows movement is worn. The assessment will take approximately 45minutes where the physiotherapist may also prescribe some exercises to be completed prior to commencing or during pointe work.
So how many athletes can do this on an ACL deficient knee??Pretty damn impressive!!