External benefits

There are many creams, lotions and pick-me-up remedies that are available for dancers to use, some more effective than others. Every dancer has a tube of pain-relieving gel or cream in their dance bag as a quick and easy way to soothe sore muscles and achy joints. The act of massaging the gel or cream in also aids pain as it increases blood flow which relaxes overused muscles. However there may be some treatments which are more beneficial to individuals than others, as usually dancers apply the same things that other dancers in the class use. For example, Tiger Balm contains the organic compound menthol, a counterirritant, which causes the skin to feel cool and then warm, helping to distract the user from pain. Despite this appealing nature, it may not be suitable for every dancer's pain. For the most part cooling/warming creams are just working skin deep. Their main purpose is to mask pain, making them unsuitable for treating serious injuries. A more beneficial alternative would be arnica, as a homeopathic approach. It aids minor aches and pains in soothing muscle aches, reducing inflammation and healing wounds, including bruises and sprains. It causes the blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation and helping speed up recovery. Oral anti-inflammatories are also useful at the same time as using most over-the-counter gels, however using them would suggest the injury needs more specialist treatment. If the local pain lasts more than a few days, a doctor’s appointment is required, especially if you don’t know the cause of your pain. The best defence however is ice as it is difficult to use it incorrectly. Ice is safe and efficient by constricting blood vessels to help prevent swelling. There are many ice packs on the market from the traditional ones you fill with ice or a gel based product which goes into a freezer. After 48 hours you should switch to heat which helps blood circulate to promote healing.