Dance Physiotherapy in Richmond

Complete Physio Richmond offers specialised Dance Physiotherapy for dancers across Melbourne of all ages and levels – from young students preparing for pointe work through to pre-professional and elite performers.

We are fortunate to have two APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapists, Josie and Indianna, who are also highly trained dancers with extensive backgrounds in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Aerial and Hip Hop. Their combined expertise allows them to understand both the physical demands and the artistic expectations of dance – not just clinically, but from lived experience.

From injury recovery to pointe preparation, full-time program auditions or simply wanting to feel stronger onstage, our physios are here to support you with a deep understanding of how dancers move.

Integrated Pelvic Health Care for Dancers with Indianna

In addition to being an APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist and trained dancer, Indianna is also a qualified Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.

This allows Complete Physio Richmond to support dancers with presentations where pelvic health and performance overlap, including:

Pelvic pain and hip-related conditions
Core and pelvic floor dysfunction impacting control or technique
Load management during pregnancy and post-partum
Safe and supported return to dance following pregnancy

Indianna brings a comprehensive understanding of the demands placed on the body during and after pregnancy, and how these intersect with the physical requirements of dance. This ensures dancers receive integrated, evidence-based care that supports both recovery and a confident return to performance.

Indi Franke

B.PHYSIO, M SPORTS PHYSIO, M MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIO, PGCERT (PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH)

Physiotherapist
Special interests: Shoulder, Spine, Sports Injuries

Why Choose Our Dance Physios?

Postgraduate-trained APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapists
Extensive personal training and performance experience in multiple dance styles
In-depth understanding of dance technique, load, and rehearsal demands
Comprehensive biomechanical and movement assessments
Access to fully equipped Pilates and strength and conditioning facilities
Onsite diagnostic ultrasound for biofeedback
Evidence-based care delivered in a dancer-specific environment

Our Dance Physiotherapy Services

Pre-Pointe Assessment | 45 minutes

A thorough assessment to determine whether a dancer is physically ready to commence pointe work safely.

Rather than focusing solely on the foot and ankle, we assess:

Overall physical development
Strength, mobility and control of the hips, knees, ankles and feet
Core stability and balance
Dance technique and movement quality

Any identified weaknesses or technical limitations are addressed with a tailored home exercise program, and a comprehensive written report is provided for the dancer’s teacher.

Comprehensive Dance Assessment | 60 minutes

A full head-to-toe assessment for dancers looking to:

Improve specific aspects of technique
Identify injury risk factors
Prepare for auditions, performances or increased training loads

This assessment is often chosen as a more in-depth alternative to a Pre-Pointe Assessment.

You’ll receive:

Detailed biomechanical and technique analysis
Individualised exercise and conditioning program
A comprehensive report for teachers or coaches

Pre-Tertiary Dance Screening | 45 minutes

Many full-time and tertiary dance programs require formal physiotherapy screening as part of their audition process.
Assessment requirements can vary significantly between institutions. Our physios have extensive experience completing program-specific screening protocols and will ensure all required components are accurately assessed, documented and submitted.

Dance Injury Assessment & Treatment Approach

Dance places unique and extreme demands on the body, and injuries — whether acute or persistent — can be both physically and emotionally challenging.

We specialise in the assessment and management of dance-related injuries, including:

Hip, knee, ankle and foot injuries
Bone stress injuries
Overuse and load-related conditions
Tendon and muscle injuries

Our approach focuses on identifying underlying biomechanical, strength and load management factors, not just treating symptoms. We work closely with dancers, parents, teachers and schools to develop a clear rehabilitation plan that supports recovery while respecting training and performance demands.

Dance Strength & Conditioning

Many dance injuries are preventable with appropriate preparation and conditioning.

We offer dance-specific strength and conditioning programs, incorporating Pilates-based principles, to help dancers:

Build strength, control and resilience
Improve technique efficiency
Reduce injury risk
Complement studio training

Sessions can focus on specific technical goals or corrections and are suitable for junior, recreational, pre-professional and elite dancers.

An Initial Dance Physio Consultation is recommended to get started.

Areas of Expertise

Our dance physiotherapists have experience supporting dancers with:

Technique and movement analysis
Load management and training planning
Dance-specific strength and conditioning
Turnout strength and control
Jump height, power and landing mechanics
Core strength and control
Safe stretching and flexibility
Adolescent dancer wellness
Pointe readiness and foot conditioning
Pelvic health concerns for the dancer

Dance Injury Management & Rehabilitation

Our clinicians regularly manage injuries in high-level and elite dancers, where return-to-performance timelines, load management and technical integrity are critical.

We work closely with dancers and their wider support team — including teachers, coaches, parents and schools — to ensure rehabilitation aligns with training schedules, rehearsal demands and performance goals.

Treatment plans focus on:

Safe and efficient return to full training and performance
Managing high workloads and performance periods
Maintaining technique and conditioning during rehabilitation
Reducing recurrence and long-term injury risk

Onsite Dance Studio Assessment & Management

In addition to in-clinic consultations, onsite assessment and injury management is available for dance studios, professional productions and performing arts organisations.

This service is ideal for:

Dance studios and full-time training programs
Professional shows, productions and performance seasons
Travelling events, tours and short-term performance engagements
Early injury identification and management
Pre-pointe and screening assessments conducted in the studio environment
Technique and movement assessment in real-time

Providing physiotherapy support onsite allows our clinicians to assess dancers and performers within their training and performance environment, ensuring management strategies are practical, timely and integrated into class, rehearsal and show schedules.

Our team has experience supporting professional dancers and performers during intensive rehearsal blocks, performance seasons and touring events, helping manage workload, recovery and injury risk while maintaining performance quality.

While our clinic is based in Richmond, our team provides onsite dance screenings and injury management for studios and professional productions throughout Greater Melbourne.

Location & Directions

Visit Complete Physio Richmond

Need a trusted physio in Richmond? You’ll find us at 656 Bridge Rd, Richmond. See on Google Maps.

Dance Physiotherapy in Richmond & Melbourne