Pole dancing is a great way to stay in shape, but it’s important to be aware of your limitations, especially If you have poor health or recently injured yourself.
Pole dancing is a physically demanding activity and requires a certain level of fitness. And if you have any medical conditions or injuries that could be exacerbated by pole dancing, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get the okay from your doctor first.
Here are answers to six common questions to help you figure out if you can keep pole dancing with these injuries or in these conditions.
Can You Pole Dance With Scoliosis?
Yes, you can pole dance with scoliosis! Pole dancing can help dancers with scoliosis to regain control of their bodies, and at the same time keeps their muscles strong and has been shown to result in improved posture.
Although pole dancing may not be the preferred form of therapy for every scoliosis patient, it is said to work wonders for those who do opt for it.
Also read: Can you pole dance if you are overweight?
Additionally, pole dancing is a contributing factor in terms of improved blood flow, reduced pain and overall quality of life.
While it is difficult to determine specific forms of exercise that have the best impact on scoliosis, strengthening exercises and pole moves, in general, are highly recommended; unless advised otherwise by your medical professional.
Can You Pole Dance With Bad Knees?
Pole dancing with bad knees is an area that remains somewhat subjective.
While it is a known fact that individuals with bad knees should aim to reduce the amount of pressure that is being put on their knees, it is also known that pole dancing is a form of exercise that puts pressure on multiple parts of your body including your knees.
Therefore, pole dancing is unlikely to be a wise option if you have bad knees. Rest for a few days and you should be back to normal.
However, individuals with slight knee pain that have obtained approval from their doctors can pole dance given that they warm up properly, use pole dancing knee pads for floor work, maintain good form during exercise, strengthen leg muscles and take a break of at least one day in between pole dancing sessions.
Can You Pole Dance With A Bad Back?
As pole dancing is a form of low-impact exercise, it is a relatively safe form of exercise for those with a bad back. In fact, many individuals suffering from back pain feel less pain while moving around as opposed to staying still.
However, as the condition of each individual can vary, it is of utmost importance that you receive prior approval from your physician and refrain from attempting rigorous movements.
While making your body a lot more flexible, pole dancing can help strengthen your back muscles, and your core, improve spinal alignment, improve posture and reduce the likelihood of developing conditions that cause back pain; such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
Furthermore, it has the ability to release Endorphins– which are feel-good hormones that can relieve pain.
Can You Pole Dance With Tendonitis?
Unfortunately, you should not pole dance with tendonitis.
As movement generally worsens the pain in a swollen area, it is best to take a break from pole dancing until the inflammation caused by tendonitis subsides.
Attempting to pole dance with an inflamed tendon is likely to worsen the condition, lengthen the healing process and in the worst-case scenario cause permanent damage.
Once the inflammation has subsided and the approval of your healthcare provider has been received, you could most definitely ease back into pole dancing.
Ensure you are patient and do not push yourself to excessive lengths at the start as strengthening the muscles in the affected area is likely to take some time.
Can You Pole Dance With Acrylic Nails?
Although acrylics can undoubtedly make nails look nice, they are likely to make it relatively tough to grip the pole while dancing; especially for individuals using thinner poles.
Therefore, there is the possibility of nails banging on the pole and getting chipped or caught on clothes and accessories.
Not only could this result in the material being ripped but it could also cause damage to your nail bed; an experience that will undoubtedly be quite painful.
While every pole dancer definitely has the option of dancing with their acrylic nails on and doing so successfully; it is unlikely to be worth the possible pain or rips it could cause; especially if you are a beginner.
Experienced pole dancers, on the other hand, are highly likely to be able to complete their dance routine at ease; regardless of the condition of their nails.
Can You Pole Dance On Your Period?
While it is normal to worry about pole dancing during your period; it is absolutely possible to do so safely. However, always listen to your body and do not push yourself to a level that makes you feel any form of discomfort.
Simply put, each person has a different experience. Although certain women are unlikely to feel severe discomfort during their period, others could experience severe fatigue, pain, mood swings and even nausea. Therefore, make the call that is best for you.
For those who make the decision to pole dance during their period, ensure a few factors are taken into consideration:
Use Menstrual Sanitary Products
Pole dancers are commonly concerned in terms of the effects of wearing menstrual hygiene/sanitary products and the possible consequences of attempting certain moves. Selecting the best-suited sanitary product is a subjective decision.
While certain individuals may prefer tampons, others could opt for a sanitary pad or menstrual cup. Select a product that is comfortable and allows you to move freely.
Think About The Moves
Taking specific moves into consideration, there is a common myth that performing inversions (the act of going upside down), could lead to retrograde bleeding (backward bleeding).
However, this assumption has not been proven to be true and bleeding is likely to continue normally; regardless of the attempted move.
Additionally, there is the option to consult your doctor regarding medication that can temporarily postpone your period. Although this is likely to sound convenient, it is accompanied by side effects of its own.
Conclusion
Most of the time, you can pole dance even if you are in poor health and have certain injuries. Just make sure to do enough research and take the necessary precautions.
And be sure to listen to your body while you’re doing it. If you start to feel pain or discomfort, stop and take a break.
In conclusion, work with your body instead of working against it.
