About 4 weeks ago, I received a message from a principal dancer of the Canadian National Ballet, who has been visiting our clinic for many years, stating that the condition of the lead role, Princess Odette, for the premiere of "Swan Lake" was problematic and needed help. Considering that the Canadian National Ballet has its own treatment facility, being referred to me indicates a challenging situation. Given that this year's "Swan Lake" features a new production by the retired art director from last year and is already a sold-out show, the tension has heightened.
Table of ContentsWhy do therapists from the Canadian National Ballet's treatment facility directly refer many dancers to me?Why do ballet dancers, who appear flexible, often get injured?"TAD Method"■ Providing the best approach tailored to individual bodies without over-relying on one's own technique■ Application to everyday issues faced by the general publicCertified Massage Therapist in Canada, Masashi Aoshima, Japan Olympic Association / Japan Skating Federation Enhancement Staff / Trainer
Why do therapists from the Canadian National Ballet's treatment facility directly refer many dancers to me?
It's not because I excel, but because my approach and methods for problem-solving are completely different. Additionally, many dancers whom I've supported over the years have appealed to the therapists at the treatment facility about my approach and track record. As a result, even though I don't have direct contact with them, there's a streamlined process for promptly referring cases that are suitable for my approach.
Why do ballet dancers, who appear flexible, often get injured?
The answer lies in the fact that many ballet dancers' bodies are actually not as flexible as they seem. Despite appearing flexible enough to dislocate their shoulder blades while watching "Swan Lake," what does it mean when their bodies are still stiff? Ballet dancers' bodies indeed appear flexible compared to those of ordinary people. Since childhood, aspiring professional ballet dancers have been developing their body movements and muscles, possessing the level of joint mobility and flexibility that ordinary individuals strive for through activities like stretching or yoga.
The problem arises because ballet dancers' joint conditions have a range of motion beyond that of ordinary people, leading to the accumulation of fatigue (stiffness) in areas that ordinary people wouldn't typically experience. In other words, the stiffness (fatigue) of ballet dancers exists in completely different areas from those of ordinary people, making it difficult to see and often leaving the individual unaware. Without understanding this, improper movement can lead to significant injuries or long-term neglect.
The "Number Web" article can be found here ➡https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/853279
"TAD Method"
■ Providing the best approach tailored to individual bodies without over-relying on one's own techniqueIt's essential to adapt to each case rather than following a set method, and this requires 30 years of experience as a foundation. In fields such as ballet, figure skating, and soccer, preventive measures are taken based on experience, considering what the athlete is aiming for at a given time, what the coach is advising, what the athlete is feeling, and the condition of the body.
■ Application to everyday issues faced by the general publicFor individuals suffering from chronic issues like long-standing back pain with no effective solutions, the TAD Method is suitable for identifying and improving the underlying causes of chronic problems that have remained unresolved for years.
For those who once seemed like exceptionally talented athletes but have hit a plateau, the TAD Method starts by improving basic body movements, including joint mobility, and ensuring the body moves accurately.
For those who have undergone various tests with no clear cause identified, the possibility of multiple problems occurring in a complex manner exists. It's beneficial to pinpoint each issue and delve into them individually.
Returning to the topic... as for Princess Odette from "Swan Lake," she managed to make it to the premiere despite the challenging condition of her foot over the 4 weeks leading up to the opening. Her consecutive pirouettes filled with the determination of the Black Swan received continuous applause from the audience.