Thread: Student with Spine Surgery

I have a beginner student who has rods in her spine and some fused vertebrae. We are starting undulations this week and I am wondering if any of you have any tips on how I should be teaching her. Are there special things I should be watching for to help prevent her from injuring herself? I would like to think that a person would know when a movement is uncomfortable and not push it but I swear some times students are not so bright about those kinds of things despite the fact that I tell them all the time "if something is uncomfortable, don't do it!" (Not the case with this student in particular, just generally speaking)

I look forward to reading Lauren's response. I admire the student's determination to take dance classes and of course her Instructor's concern and attention to detail.

i teach many with all types of problems.
i just tell them to do it as best they can, then put their stamp on it

Hi! I had back surgery 10 years ago. I had a enormous hernia and had a disc removed. There has been a fusion... So i don't do back bent:)) but. oriental dance made me belly stronger and built my back muscles. And I feel great! As long as i don't stop to dance or do yoga....

From my point of view, b.d. is great for those with back problems or back surgery as long as the instructor is aware of the technicality of the gack issues. So, as long as your way of teaching -dancing is body gentle , it would be ok to dance and even helpfull. But, the pelvec tilt has to be mastered! Elongation of the body has to be an issue. Abdos, exercices have to be part of her life in order to built muscles to hold the back...
Hope this helps
Lorraine

My dance teacher told me.When I hurt my lower back few years back. If you have back problems and doing undulations you can do them smaller rather than large. I hope that helps. Its also knowing your body and your limits.

Alrana

I had spinal fusion back in 2005 - and was my phys therapist what recommended BD as way to improve balance/flexability/stamina

I'd been injured in auto accident back in 2002 and spent some time actual paralyzed from waist down prior to having the fusion. There are some things I cannot do (such as backbends), and sometimes there's a little more pain (depending on how much I push myself) but for the most part I can do everything that other dancers can do...
BTW I not only take classes, I teach and perform as well...

We have people with issues in the class I'm in. I know I can't Choo-choo shimmy long because of arthritis in my foot. I also can't stop my right hand from shaking due to Essential Tremors. One woman can't bend her elbow all the way. As long as you're aware and not pushing her you should be fine. We are always told to do what we're comfortable with. Hopefully she knows her limitations. Hope it goes well.