Do I Need A Foot Stretcher?
Hi guys
I have had a few girls ask me lately whether they should invest in a device to increase their pointe range. I am pretty sceptical of some of these, and I have never had a girl who has not had dramatic increases in range of pointe when doing the exercises described in the book, especially when combined with good hands on treatment. So, really, I see no need, and possible harm by placing your foot designed to "Stretch your ligaments". Your feet have ligaments for a reason! To hold the little bones of the feet together! I feel it is a much better, and safer solution to work on loosening any muscles that may be restricting your range, and strengthening other muscles to make the most of your range. Improved range is useless, and dangerous without strength. As you strengthen the feet, you will be able to gradually improve the range by working into it more and pushing over your demi-pointe or pointe more.
Hope that helps!
Lisa
I have had a few girls ask me lately whether they should invest in a device to increase their pointe range. I am pretty sceptical of some of these, and I have never had a girl who has not had dramatic increases in range of pointe when doing the exercises described in the book, especially when combined with good hands on treatment. So, really, I see no need, and possible harm by placing your foot designed to "Stretch your ligaments". Your feet have ligaments for a reason! To hold the little bones of the feet together! I feel it is a much better, and safer solution to work on loosening any muscles that may be restricting your range, and strengthening other muscles to make the most of your range. Improved range is useless, and dangerous without strength. As you strengthen the feet, you will be able to gradually improve the range by working into it more and pushing over your demi-pointe or pointe more.
Hope that helps!
Lisa
posted by Physio @ 7:12 AM
2 Comments:
At 2:05 AM,
Anonymous said…
Hi Lisa!
I just wanted to say Thanks!!! After my session with you the other day, and doing all the exercises - especially the golf ball massage - my feet are feeling so great! (Dad does wonder why the balls in his golf bag keep dissapearing though! I have one in my school bag, one in my ballet bag and one in my top drawer!) I can rise so much higher and can really feel all those little muscles in my feet starting to work. I can do the toe swapping now, but the piano one is really hard!!! But, I will keep trying! Mum tries to massage it like you did, but it dosent quite feel the same. I think she needs some lessons!
Anyway, just wanted to say thanks. Your tips have made a huge difference in just over 2 wees, so I cant wait to see how much better I get by the end of the year!
Thanks again,
Sarah M
At 9:02 AM,
na_na711 said…
Hello, I have daughters just starting pointe and the teacher said to find a chinerina foot stretcher but so far I can't find one. Do you know where I can find one? And how do I find your book?
na_na711@hotmail.com
Post a Comment
<< Home