Body
What happens when a dancer feels a twinge as she lands her hundredth tour jeté of the week? Or, when an actor feels a tweak in his elbow after the big sword fight in Act III?
Fortunately, performing artists can seek a visit with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Performing Arts Medicine Program, a clinical practice tailored to diagnosing and treating the unique needs of those in artistic roles, including musicians, actors and dancers.
Founded in 1985, the Performing Arts Medicine Program is one of the longest-running such programs in the United States. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s clinicians have treated thousands of artists and their injuries, and today they partner with top theaters, cultural institutions and performing arts organizations in Chicago.
40 Years of Caring for Performing Artists
Body
The Performing Arts Medicine Program is led by medical director Maria Reese, MD, an attending physician who specializes in sports medicine, and wellness care coordinator Kathleen Darley, a physical therapist who specializes in orthopedic and pelvic floor therapy — and is further supported by staff physicians and physical and occupational therapists.
Clinicians visit each partner organization once or twice a week to treat the aches and pains that arise among artists who perform up to nine times a week.
“This is where our specialized training comes in,” said Dr. Reese. “Orthopedic physical therapy and sports medicine are crucial for treating these patients.”
“For instance, muscle fatigue and strain are a constant concern,” said Kathleen. “Our therapists can provide therapy to release tight muscles, teach exercises to strengthen weak muscles, review choreography to optimize form and minimize repetitive strain, streamline warm-up and cooldown routines, and, of course, provide education about self-care and self-awareness.”
In addition to muscle injuries, Kathleen noted additional sources of pain that can lurk, like Chekhov’s gun, on every stage.
“We also see injuries caused by the weight and rigidity of some costumes and uncomfortable footwear, as well as from carrying props, pushing open heavy doors, and going up and down stairs,” she said. “Audiences often don’t consider how these things predispose performers to injuries.”
If an injury — such as an ankle sprain, knee injury, neck or back strain, finger injury, or even jaw pain — requires further diagnosis and treatment, a performer can be referred to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s physician's clinic. Dr. Reese noted that this option for expedited care is one of the main benefits for theaters and performers. Her primary goal: keeping artists engaged in their work.
“As an example, for a pianist with wrist pain, I examine from the spine down to the arms, then the wrists and hands. For the vast majority of patients, we need to make adjustments to their form to optimize their recovery. Additionally, there is great value in having performers demonstrate with their instruments or demonstrate their dancing or staging to better appreciate what they are experiencing,” she said. “Lastly, I strive to keep the performer-patient participating in their art. All too often, artists are told, ‘Rest. Take time off.’ This can be unrealistic and does not acknowledge their passion, drive and love for their art form.”
In addition to helping those onstage, clinicians also care for critical workers who are offstage during the show.
“We help backstage crew members optimize mechanics and ergonomics as they perform significant heavy lifting and swift maneuvering of equipment and scenery during a performance,” said Kathleen.
Learn More
Body
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s comprehensive services for performing artists include medical evaluations of musculoskeletal issues; performing arts-focused physical and occupational therapy; MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound imaging; and, when indicated, injections for managing acute and chronic conditions like pain and inflammation.
Outpatient appointments are available on Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s downtown Chicago campus.
