Injury Prevention: Interview with Dr. Matthieu Sailly, Sports Physician at the Prix de Lausanne
Dancers face extreme physical demands, including intensive rehearsals, repeated jumps, rotations, and high-impact landings. At the internationally renowned Prix de Lausanne, special measures are in place to safeguard the health of its competitors. Overseeing this effort is Dr. Matthieu Sailly, a sports physician and the event’s official medical partner.
Harlequin floors had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Sailly, who shared his expertise on common dance injuries, prevention strategies, and the crucial role of a well-adapted environment.
How did you start working with dancers?
“I’ve always wanted to be a sports doctor. I was a high-level athlete myself, and over the years, I had the chance to work with circus performers and dancers. There’s a natural bridge between these disciplines. The body is the primary tool, even if the goals differ. It’s a real privilege for me to merge these two worlds.”
What is your role at the Prix de Lausanne?
“My work is divided into three key stages. Before the competition, we implement a medical questionnaire to assess the candidates’ health. Completed in collaboration with their doctor, this allows us to identify at-risk profiles and anticipate potential issues. During the competition, we provide ongoing medical support with a team of physiotherapists, sports physicians, and general practitioners. Finally, we emphasise education in three crucial areas: stress management, nutrition, and structured warm-ups.”
What are the most common injuries among dancers?
“It depends on the dance style, but the most frequent injuries typically affect the feet, ankles, and knees. In classical ballet, stress fractures and overuse injuries are common, whereas contemporary dancers often experience hip and back issues due to the nature of their movements.”
How do dance floors, like those from Harlequin, impact dancers’ health?
“Injuries are often multifactorial, but the environment plays a critical role. When it comes to overuse injuries, the type of flooring is a key factor, as the feet and ankles endure the most strain. A high-quality floor can make a significant difference. Dancers perform an astonishing number of jumps each week. If we can reduce even just 5% of the impact from a jump through a well-adapted dance floor, the cumulative effect over a year is enormous. I’ve seen firsthand, both in dance and gymnastics, how using the right flooring leads to noticeable improvements in joint health.”
What are the best practices for preventing injuries?
“Physical preparation and recovery are essential. Too often, dancers neglect these aspects, leading to preventable injuries. It’s crucial to integrate a well-structured routine that combines strength training, rest, and stress management.”
How has the approach to injury prevention evolved in the dance world?
“In recent years, injury prevention has become increasingly important in the dance community. More and more institutions are implementing structured medical monitoring with specialists in sports medicine, physiotherapy, and nutrition. This evolution allows dancers to receive better support throughout their careers and helps reduce avoidable injuries.”
Conclusion
“Injuries are a reality in dance, but they are not inevitable. With proper medical care, effective prevention strategies, and a well-designed environment, we can significantly reduce the risks. A well-prepared dancer, combined with specialised flooring, can train and perform under the best possible conditions.”
Dr. Matthieu Sailly concluded our discussion by emphasising the importance of a holistic approach that integrates medical supervision, preventive care, and the right equipment. With this in mind, the Prix de Lausanne has chosen a Harlequin Liberty sprung floor with a Harlequin Studio performance vinyl floor, designed to provide dancers with a safe environment that minimises impact and protects their joint health.
