Ballet dancer feet in pointe shoes on studio floor

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Dance & Gymnastics Podiatry

Specialised podiatry care for dancers and gymnasts at all levels. Our sports podiatrists understand the extreme demands these disciplines place on the feet and lower limbs, and provide treatment that respects the unique requirements of your art and sport.

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Open Mon–SatHICAPS AvailableNo Referral RequiredAHPRA-Registered Clinicians3 Melbourne Locations15+ Years Experience

Dance and gymnastics demand exceptional foot and ankle strength, flexibility, and control. From ballet dancers working en pointe to gymnasts landing high-impact tumbles, the feet are under constant and intense loading. These demands make dancers and gymnasts susceptible to a specific set of lower limb injuries.

Our team has experience treating dancers and gymnasts across recreational, pre-professional, and professional levels. We understand the importance of maintaining training where possible and provide treatment plans that account for the specific movement requirements of your discipline.

Common Dance & Gymnastics Foot Injuries

The repetitive loading, extreme ranges of motion, and high-impact landings in dance and gymnastics lead to a distinct injury profile. Our podiatrists are experienced in diagnosing and treating the following conditions.

Stress Fractures (Metatarsals)

Metatarsal stress fractures are common in dancers and gymnasts due to the repetitive loading of the forefoot during jumps, relevés, and landings. The second and third metatarsals are most frequently affected. We identify contributing factors such as training load, bone density, foot mechanics, and footwear (or lack of it), then guide recovery with appropriate load management.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains can occur during landings, turns, or when working en pointe or demi-pointe. We provide targeted rehabilitation that addresses the strength and proprioceptive demands specific to dance and gymnastics, ensuring you can return to full range of movement safely.

Tendinopathy (Flexor Hallucis Longus)

FHL tendinopathy is particularly common in dancers who work en pointe or demi-pointe. The tendon runs behind the ankle and under the big toe, and is heavily loaded during relevé and pointe work. We use progressive loading programs, manual therapy, and technique modification to manage this condition effectively.

Bunions & Hallux Rigidus

Forefoot conditions including bunions (hallux valgus) and hallux rigidus (stiffness of the big toe joint) are frequently seen in dancers and gymnasts. These can develop over time due to the repetitive forces through the big toe joint. We provide conservative management strategies including joint mobilisation, strengthening, and footwear or padding modifications.

Our Treatment Approach

We understand that dancers and gymnasts have specific needs that differ from other athletes. Treatment must respect the range of motion, aesthetic, and performance requirements of your discipline while effectively addressing injury.

Dance and Gymnastics-Specific Assessment

We assess foot and ankle function in the context of your discipline. For dancers, this includes evaluation of relevé height, pointe readiness, and turnout mechanics. For gymnasts, we assess landing biomechanics and ankle stability under load.

Pointe Readiness Assessments

For young dancers transitioning to pointe work, we provide objective assessments of foot and ankle strength, range of motion, and skeletal maturity. Starting pointe work before the body is ready is a significant risk factor for injury.

Rehabilitation and Strengthening

Our rehabilitation programs are designed for the specific demands of dance and gymnastics. We prescribe exercises that build strength through the full range of motion required, with a focus on intrinsic foot strength, ankle stability, and controlled mobility.

Performance Optimisation

We work with dancers and gymnasts to improve foot and ankle function for better performance and injury prevention. This includes intrinsic foot strengthening programs, ankle conditioning for landing and pointe work, and advice on training load progression to build capacity safely over time.

Why Choose MSP?

We combine clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach to get you back on your feet.

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Sports-Focused

Decades of combined experience treating foot, ankle, and movement concerns.

Evidence-Based Plan

Every plan is guided by proven research and tailored to your lifestyle.

Preventive Approach

We focus on identifying risks early to keep you moving comfortably.

Convenient Clinic Locations

Easily accessible clinics in Brighton, Richmond, and South Melbourne.

Collaborative Care

We work with your GP, physio, or coach for consistent recovery support.

Easy HICAPS Claims

Simple, instant health-fund claiming at every appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pointe readiness assessments are typically done around age 11 to 12, but readiness depends on individual development rather than age alone. We assess foot and ankle strength, range of motion, and skeletal maturity to determine if a dancer is ready to begin pointe work safely.

This depends on the location and severity of the stress fracture. Some low-risk stress fractures can be managed with modified activity, while others require a period of rest from impact. We will advise you on the safest approach based on your specific injury.

Most dancers do not wear orthotics in their dance shoes due to the need for direct foot contact and flexibility. However, orthotics can be useful in training shoes and everyday footwear to manage load outside of dance. We assess each dancer individually.

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendinopathy is inflammation or degeneration of the tendon that controls the big toe, commonly affected in dancers who perform pointe or demi-pointe work. Treatment involves progressive tendon loading exercises, manual therapy, and sometimes temporary modification of pointe work to allow the tendon to recover.

Our Clinics

Three convenient locations across Melbourne. Choose the clinic closest to you.

Call: 1300 332 201