Dance Podiatry
Specialised Dance Injury Prevention
Ballet, hip hop, Irish, Scottish Highland: We want to help dancers achieve their dreams.
Dancing places pressure on the feet and lower limbs. It requires a great amount of flexibility and strength and a wide joint range of motion. In order to push their bodies in these ways and stay healthy, dancers need to take care of their feet and lower limbs.
Merivale Podiatry specialises in Dance Podiatry. Our podiatrists have a complex understanding of dance and can effectively diagnose, treat and manage dance related injuries, including ballerina feet damage. We will work with your dance teacher and parents and develop dance injury treatment plans with your specific dance genre in mind.
Dancers require dance-specific care…
And this care is best provided by a consultant who understands the unique demands and challenges that dancing places on your feet, ankles, legs, and body. Many dancers begin their dancing journey at a very young age, and getting targeted care early is key to avoiding long-term complications that can arise from common dance injuries.
We are proud to have New Zealand’s leading dance podiatrist on our team. Georgina is renowned for her skill, knowledge and personal achievements in this field. Georgina offers genre-specific assessments, treatment plans, technique optimisation, and ACC injury management plans for dancers of all ages and stages. Education is also a key part of care - because knowing what to look out for and the right approach to training and technique is crucial in helping prevent a small discomfort from turning into a full-blown injury.
Georgina works not only with dancers, but is also a sought-after educator and supporter for dance parents and teachers.
Georgina leads Merivale Podiatry’s Dance Podiatry division, while also actively supporting dancers locally, nationally, and internationally in her own dance health consultancy business Barrina. In this role she offers technique mentoring, pre pointe assessments and custom pointe shoe fittings.
If you are unable to attend our clinic in Merivale, Christchurch, we also offer a video telehealth alternative. Depending on your needs, your follow up consultations will continue over video conferencing or will be scheduled in-person.
What should I bring to my dance consultation?
Please come dressed in your dance gear – including convertible tights – if possible, or shorts and t-shirt. You’ll need to bring your dance shoes and accessories, including ouch pouches, toe spacers, and other in-shoe items. If you can bring a video of your dancing, please do so, especially if you have footage of the move that is causing you pain.
I’m not experiencing any pain; can I still see a dance podiatrist?
Absolutely. We help many dancers optimise their technique to prepare for competitions, transition safely to new dance genres and intensities, assess previous injuries to reduce the risk of them interfering with upcoming dance events, and create injury prevention plans.
Do I need a referral?
No, you are welcome to self-refer and book directly with our clinic. If you have been referred, please bring any relevant paperwork with you, including any existing imaging reports and ACC details.
Early intervention of dance injuries and the development of genre-specific injury prevention plans can have long last benefits for dancers. Give your feet the TLC they deserve and come and see our specialist dance podiatrist, Georgina.