Not able to dance anymore...:(

[jennikins]

I have really bad knees and my doctors think I might even have to have surgery on them, so they told me that I should not dance for a month or two. The thing is....I'm still new to salsa (the only partner dancing I do) and I took a break from jazz to do salsa so I don't know how to stay in shape for thoese two types of dance, with out actully dancing. Does anyone have any suggestions??

[fascination]

am so sorry...get lots of opinions and realize that an ounce of prevention now may give you a lifetime of dancing...hang in there...hug

[Chris Stratton]

swimming?

[etp777]

Swimming would likely be a good idea, but also be willing to accept fact that you have to take a break, but look at the positive, that dancing will actually likely help speed up your recovery. My dad has had a hip replaced, and will have one or both knees replaced when insurance will pay for it. But his doctor actually likes fact he dances. Says he will ahve to take a break for a while with the knee surgery, but is convinced that the dancing will help him recover faster than he would with just regular PT. Particularly considering with his age and weight, surgery like this would normally take a long time to recover from.

[skwiggy]

Bicycle? Pilates? Elliptical?

[fascination]

walking backwark is awesome as well for working the opposing muscles that support the knee

[etp777]

Unless you lose your balance and fall over fasc, like I've started doing when walking backwards in my cuban walks. :)

[fascination]

well you can hold on when on a treadmill or elliptical ;)

[hamstersphere]

I second the Pilates - anything that helps build awareness of where one's body is in space and time :)

Of course, if you're not dancing, you can also keep familiarising yourself with music, watching videos, and accumulating ideas for when you are dancing again ...

[jennikins]

Thanks!! I've never thought of walking backwards before, but sounds intersting. Thanks guys for the ideas!

[samina]

sorry to hear, jenni. hope some of these ideas help you!

[fascination]

Thanks!! I've never thought of walking backwards before, but sounds intersting. Thanks guys for the ideas!
it is common rehab for knees

[White Chacha]

Speedy recovery!

[SlowDancer]

As a dancer with intermittent knee problems, I emphathize with your situation, Jennikins. A couple more tips: be very careful of your heel heights. If I wear heels that are just a little too high, I pay for it for days with sore knees. So I've basically tossed anything over 2 1/2 inches. Two inches is ideal for me. Also, ice and heat both seem to help. And I take glucosamine/chondroitin supplements every day.

What type of surgery are you contemplating? If you've explored all your options and surgery seems inevitable, I would want to get it over with and start vigorous rehab as quickly as possible. My former dance teacher had arthroscopic surgery on both knees several years ago and swears he was back dancing in a couple of weeks. He, and others I've spoken with who had the same surgery, say that doing rehab and following the doctor's and physical therapist's directions are key to a quick recovery.

Good luck, and I hope you're dancing again very soon!