Lisa Howell
Lisa Howell Quick Facts
Articles by this expert
SelfGrowth articles and saved writing connected to this expert.
Article
Developing Effective Abdominal Control And Core Strength In Dancers.
The abdominal muscles are critical for a dancer to maintain good posture and strength throughout class and performance. Many people focus on doing loads and loads of sit-ups in order to strengthen their abdominals. Having strength through the outer ‘6 pack’ muscles (Rectus Abdominis) is important in a dance however, the deeper layers of your abdomen are far more important in controlling the stability of the spine and preventing injury. nYou actually have 4 layers
March 9, 2008
Article
Developing Strength And Improving The Height Of Leg In A Developpé.
So many girls have good flexibility when stretching, but find it hard to use this when dancing, especially with a developpé. If you simply practise the step over and over, often the result is bulky thighs, with not a lot of increase in range. This will happen if you are trying to use the front of the leg to lift, rather than controlling the leg from the hip. Many girls try to improve the height of the leg by training with weights. This is not recommended, as the dancer s
March 9, 2008
Article
The Importance Of Balance Retraining Exercises For The Dance Student.
Good control of balance and stability of the foot and ankle are essential in any dancer. However many dancers are unaware of the many things that combine to give you good balance, and how to train the components individually. Poor balance reactions may make your supporting foot wobble and you might find it hard to stabilize en demi-pointe, or be constantly corrected for rolling arches! Poor stability in your supporting ankle is a huge barrier in increasing how high you can li
March 9, 2008
Article
How To Improve Your Flexibility Safely In To The Splits.
There are a few common mistakes people make while trying to improve their flexibility. Number one is the trying too hard with their stretches. Far too many people push their stretches too far and risk tearing muscle fibres in the process. When you stretch a muscle too much it has a protective response called the 'stretch reflex' that actually makes the muscle contract. This means that you not only risk injuring yourself, but that you don’t get as much improvement as if
March 9, 2008
Article
Why Do Dancers Often Get Growing Pains?
Lots of girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 16 may be experiencing pain related to their rapid growth. Unfortunately as we grow, all the action takes place at the growth plates in our bones, and it does take some time for the muscles, ligaments and nerves to adjust to their new positions. This means that hamstrings that were allowing you to get into the splits easily three months ago might be a little short for the new leg they are attached to! As tempting as it is to s
March 9, 2008
Article
What is Osgood Schlatters Disease?
As a dancer goes through any period of growth, some pain and stiffness may be noticeable. Unfortunately as we grow, all the action takes place at the growth plates in our bones, and it does take some time for the muscles, ligaments and nerves to adjust to their new positions. This article explains the reason for growth pains focusing on the area of the knees and offers advice to those dancers who may be experiencing pain in this area.nnThe way some muscles attaches into the g
February 6, 2008
Article
How Ballet Dancers Can Avoid Common Foot Injuries
Many of the common foot injuries sustained by ballet dancers can be prevented, and treated, by the application of some basic knowledge about the structure of muscles in the feet. Specific strengthening of the different muscles can make a huge difference to a career in ballet, or any other dance discipline. This article discusses the causes and treatment of common dancers foot injuries.nnMost dancers will complain of some foot injury at some stage in their training, and profes
February 6, 2008
Article
The Value Of Online Community In Dance Education
The recent surge in information technology has allowed the wonderful development of an online dance community. This allows the sharing of information and advice among dancers all over the globe, which is fantastic for the growth of the industry and for the physical safely of the many young dancers worldwide.nnThere is a huge need for comprehensive quality dance information to educate young dancers about their bodies, to extend their boundaries and their perception of what the
February 6, 2008
Article
How Do You Tell When A Girl Is Ready For Pointe Work?
The question as to when a ballet dancer is strong enough to go onto pointe has always been a contentious one. Dance Physical Therapist Lisa Howell (B.Phty) has perfected a fantastic system that takes the guesswork out of this difficult decision. Dancers work through a series of tests and exercises specially developed to prepare their feet, ankles, hips and core muscles for pointe work, and the system is being embraced by dance teachers all over the globe.nnIt is one of the mo
February 6, 2008