RHP Physiotherapy Brisbane is your trusted physiotherapy provider.
Welcome to RHP Physiotherapy
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From the stage to the pit. Specialized care for the unique athleticism of the performing arts.
Dance takes many forms, but every discipline requires supreme technique, balance, and strength. Achieving ‘Pointe’ in Ballet requires a unique proficiency, while coordination and body awareness are vital for all movement styles.
We look beyond the pain to analyze the footwear, surfaces, and high repetition levels that contribute to injury. With over 15 years of experience, our clinicians, led by Chanthalah Webster-Tight, have supported dancers from:
We thoroughly analyze problem movements to identify flexibility and technique deficits in:
"Regular physiotherapy is essential for dancers practicing multiple times a week to prevent the onset of chronic pain."
Management often begins with a postural and movement analysis. Depending on your needs, this can involve observing you with and without your instrument or during specific dance movements.
We can develop a program based on the specific biomechanical requirements of your discipline, whether that’s ballet, orchestral music, or contemporary dance.
Where appropriate, we work to integrate your rehabilitation into your practice routine, helping you manage high-load periods or performance seasons.
Shoulder and neck pain in string players often stems from the prolonged asymmetrical "hold" of the instrument. It can be a combination of muscle fatigue, chin-rest ergonomics, or nerve tension. We look at your posture with the instrument to see if we can find a more efficient, less taxing way for your muscles to support the weight.
Pointe readiness isn't just about age; it's about physical maturity. We can perform a clinical screening to check if there is enough ankle range, intrinsic foot strength, and "core" control to safely support their weight on Pointe. Our goal is to ensure they start this transition without risking long-term foot or ankle injury.
Yes, though it might not always be carpal tunnel. Numbness or tingling can be caused by nerve compression at the wrist, elbow, or even the neck. We can assess where the restriction is happening and provide specific nerve-gliding exercises or postural changes to help resolve those "pins and needles" sensations.
This is a common concern. We tailor our treatment to your performance calendar. If you have a show tonight or an audition tomorrow, we might focus on gentle "quietening" techniques and taping rather than heavy corrective work. We work to support your performance, not hinder it.
We do. Our team has over 15 years of experience having provided care to the Queensland Ballet, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO), and various full-time dance colleges. We understand the high-stakes environment of professional performing arts and the specific timelines required for recovery.
"Snapping hip" is very common in dancers and is often caused by a tendon moving over a bony prominence. While it's frequently painless, if it’s accompanied by catching or ache, it might suggest some muscle imbalances around the pelvis. A biomechanical check can help determine if it needs active management.
Absolutely. The jaw, neck, and tongue are all part of the same functional chain. If you are "clenching" while playing a reed instrument or singing high notes, it can lead to TMJ dysfunction. We can use manual therapy and exercises to help relax these areas and improve your ease of performance.