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Today's episode talks about just how common injuries in dance are, with 86% of dancers experiencing one or more injuries in their career. We also debunk the traditional injury protocol of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) that is now being challenged as it can prolong the healing process and hinder recovery. A new approach called PEACE (Protect, Elevate, Avoid anti-inflammatory substances, Compression, Educate) and LOVE (Load, Optimism, Vascularization, Exercise) is being advocated, focusing on protecting the injured area, promoting fluid movement, avoiding anti-inflammatory measures, providing compression or massage, and educating oneself about the body. Injuries in dance are not just physical but also have psychological and emotional components that need to be addressed; mental stress can manifest as physical tension and affect performance. Integrating the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of dance is crucial for injury prevention and recovery. Dance programs and institutions need to prioritize the holistic well-being of dancers and provide resources for physical and mental health support.

Note: When Eileen discusses "beliefs" during this episode, she is referring specifically to embodied beliefs (not just the conscious beliefs we hold, but the energetic beliefs our body has somatically developed).

Resources / Studies / Articles / References:

• R.I.C.E. Debunked
• R.I.C.E. Method
• P.E.A.C.E. and L.O.V.E. Protocol
• 80% dancers versus 20% rugby and football players will have a career affecting injury.

*Be sure to check out S2E2 Injury Mini Series: What even IS an injury?'s episode description for more resources / studies / articles / references.

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at movepod@kaiaevolutions.com

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.