Performing Arts Physio

Physio for Circus artists

Performing arts physiotherapy for circus artists focuses on the physical health, injury prevention, and rehabilitation of individuals involved in circus arts.

Physiotherapy for circus artists

What is it?

Circus artists engage in various physically demanding activities, including aerial arts, juggling, and acrobatics. Our physiotherapists address their unique challenges, optimize their physical performance, and promote overall well-being.

Why see a specialist physio?

Performing arts physiotherapy for circus artists recognizes the diversity of skills and physical demands within the circus arts community. The goal is to support circus artists in achieving their artistic goals while minimizing the risk of injuries and optimizing their overall physical well-being.

Specialist physio services for circus artists

Comprehensive Assessment
Our physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to understand the specific physical demands of circus arts and identify individual factors that may contribute to injuries or impact performance.
Injury Prevention
We work with circus artists to develop personalized injury prevention programs. These programs may include targeted exercises, strength training, and flexibility routines to address the demands of their specific acts and apparatus.
Technique Analysis
Analyzing the techniques used in various circus acts is crucial. We work with circus artists to optimize their movements, correct any faulty mechanics, and ensure that techniques are performed in a biomechanically efficient and safe manner.
Strength and Conditioning
Circus arts require a combination of strength, flexibility, and agility. our physiotherapists prescribe exercises to improve overall strength, core stability, and conditioning, tailored to the specific needs of the circus artist's discipline(s).
Aerial Arts Rehabilitation
For circus artists involved in aerial disciplines such as silks, trapeze, or hoop, physiotherapy includes rehabilitation programs for injuries specific to aerial work. This may involve addressing shoulder stability, grip strength, and preventing overuse injuries.
Acrobatics and Tumbling Support
Our physiotherapists provide support for circus artists involved in acrobatics and tumbling. This may include addressing issues related to joint stability, balance, and impact management to reduce the risk of injuries.
Juggling and Manipulation Arts
For circus artists specializing in juggling or manipulation arts, physiotherapy may focus on hand and wrist health. This includes exercises to improve grip strength, dexterity, and prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Performance Enhancement
Our physiotherapists collaborate with circus artists to enhance their overall physical condition and performance capabilities. This may involve developing personalized conditioning programs to improve endurance, coordination, and specific skills required for their acts.
Education and Self-Care
We educate circus artists on self-care practices, including warm-up and cool-down routines, proper hydration, and injury management. Promoting awareness and providing tools for self-care empowers circus artists to prioritize their physical health.

Common conditions

Shoulder Injuries
Circus artists, particularly those involved in aerial disciplines such as trapeze and aerial silks, are prone to shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and shoulder impingement due to the repetitive overhead movements and high forces placed on the shoulders.
Wrist and Hand Injuries
Circus artists who perform hand balancing, juggling, or manipulation acts may experience wrist and hand injuries such as sprains, strains, and overuse injuries due to the repetitive and high-impact nature of these activities.
Spinal Injuries
Circus artists often perform dynamic and acrobatic movements that involve significant spinal loading and rotation, increasing the risk of spinal injuries such as herniated discs, facet joint strains, and vertebral compression fractures.
Elbow Injuries
Elbow injuries, including tendonitis, bursitis, and ligament sprains, can occur in circus artists who perform acts involving repetitive gripping, swinging, or catching, such as trapeze or aerial straps.
Knee Injuries
Circus artists may experience knee injuries such as ligament sprains, meniscus tears, and patellar tendonitis due to the high-impact landings, jumps, and dynamic movements involved in many circus disciplines.
Ankle and Foot Injuries
Ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures are common among circus artists, particularly those who perform acts involving jumping, landing, and balancing on unstable surfaces.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries such as tendinopathies, muscle strains, and stress fractures can occur in circus artists due to the repetitive nature of many circus disciplines and the demands placed on specific muscles and joints.
Neck Injuries
Circus artists who perform aerial acts or partner acrobatics may be at risk of neck injuries such as whiplash, cervical strains, and disc herniations due to the dynamic and acrobatic movements involved.
Muscle Strains and Tears
Circus artists may experience muscle strains and tears, particularly in the muscles of the shoulders, back, and lower extremities, due to the high forces and dynamic movements required in many circus disciplines.