Dance Physiotherapy in Richmond
Supporting injury recovery, prevention, and performance so you can continue dancing at your best.
At Kinematics, we understand that dancers aren’t just “athletes”, they’re performers. That means your body needs to handle repetition, precision, range, strength, and artistry, often all at once.
Our Dance Physiotherapy clinic based in Melbourne is designed to help you:
- Recover from dance injury
- Prevent setbacks
- Optimise performance and longevity
Common dance injuries we see
- Ankle sprains & instability
- Hip impingement / turnout-related pain
- Lower back pain
- Knee pain (incl. patellofemoral pain)
- Tendon injuries common to dancers (Achilles, hamstring, hip flexor)
- Overuse and load-related injuries
- Snapping hip syndrome
- Shoulder instability
Pre-Pointe & Dance-Specific Assessments in Melbourne
We objectively assess readiness for pointe and higher-level demands, looking at:
- Strength and control
- Mobility and alignment
- Technique-related risk factors
You’ll leave with clear guidance on:
- Whether you’re ready
- What to improve
- How to progress safely
What to Expect in Your Session
- A detailed, dance-specific assessment
- Clear explanation of what’s going on
- Hands-on treatment where appropriate
- Targeted exercise and strength work
- A plan that fits around your dance schedule
Jess Cogley
Jess brings a rare combination of physiotherapy clinical expertise and real-world dance experience. She trained at Patrick School of the Arts, has over 17 years of teaching experience across Bayside studios, previously ran her own successful dance studio, and continues to teach weekly, keeping her closely connected to the demands of the dance environment. This means she deeply understands the physical demands placed on dancers, the pressures of classes, exams, and performance, and what it truly takes to stay healthy and progressing. Jess works closely with dancers in Melbourne to help them navigate injuries without losing momentum, build strength specific to their technique, and support long-term development and confidence.
Dance physiotherapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy that focuses on the unique physical demands of dancers. It combines injury management, strength and conditioning, and movement analysis to help dancers recover, prevent injury, and improve performance.
While general physiotherapy can help, a dance physio understands technique, turnout, load, and performance demands. This means more specific treatment, better rehab progressions, and a safer return to dance.
Common dance injuries include:
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Hip impingement and turnout-related pain
- Knee pain
- Lower back pain
- Tendon injuries (Achilles, hamstring, hip flexor)
We treat both acute injuries and long-term recurring issues.
A pre-pointe assessment evaluates whether a dancer has the strength, control, and mobility required to safely begin pointe work. It’s highly recommended before starting pointe to reduce injury risk and support long-term progression.
Physio isn’t just for general injuries, it can also improve a dancer's performance with:
- Strength and control
- Balance and stability
- Mobility and range
- Technique efficiency
This leads to better performance, reduced fatigue, and lower injury risk.
This depends on your injury, goals, and dance load. Some dancers need only a few sessions for guidance, while others benefit from ongoing support during heavy training or performance periods. Book your dance physiotherapy assessment with Jess today to understand a practical treatment plan for you.
Yes absolutely! We regularly work with younger dancers and students. We tailor assessments and programs to their stage of development, helping build strong foundations early.
Your first session includes:
- A detailed dance-specific assessment
- Discussion of your training and goals
- Diagnosis and explanation
- Treatment and exercise plan
- Clear next steps
Absolutely. Dance injury prevention is a key focus. By improving strength, technique awareness, and load management, physio can significantly reduce the risk of future injuries.
No referral is needed. You can book directly with a dance physiotherapist at Kinematics.
Wear comfortable exercise or dance clothing that allows you to move freely and enables the physio to observe your movement. Please also bring any dance shoes relevant to your goals - for example, jazz or half shoes if you’re looking to improve your turns.