Karima Bellydance

As some of you are aware, I sustained a back injury the day of my Atlantis World Dance Company audition/Blue Rooster, Murfreesboro performance.  I can speculate that I didn’t stretch long enough, that I was nervous and my muscles were tight, that my neck vertebrae were out of alignment since several days prior to the audition, and that dancing twice in one day this early on in my career were all too much for my body to handle at once.  But I have since been trying everything I know how to work it out.  I’ve tried pain relievers, heat, ice, anti-inflammatories, stretching, resting, massage, and chiropracty.  Once again I’m reminded just how fragile our bodies are when we don’t take care of them properly, and especially now that I’m dancing and performing as a Nashville belly dancer!  So, here is my plan for healing my body, and making sure I avoid future injuries.

I am now scheduled for once a month chiropractic visits, two weekly yoga classes, one 30 minute massage per week, 1 hour dance techuique class, and 1.5 hour dance company rehearsal.  I have set a goal of 3+ bottles of water daily so my tissues continue to stay properly hydrated.  This is my first attempt at a regimen, so I’m sure this will evolve as I realize what works, what doesn’t, what I can do at home, and what I need to hire someone else to do for me.  I will be sure to stretch extra long and well prior to ANY length performance.  I will rest my back as much as possible between engagements until it’s 100% healed.   There isn’t anything to do now but wait, be proactive, and be patient.

What do you do to make sure you stay healthy while you’re active?