Introduction


The Pole Dancing Injuries Masterclass, taught by Dr Joanna Nicholas and Ashleigh Flanagan provides a complete overview of Pole Dancing Injuries. This Executive Summary provides clinically relevant, actionable information that may be useful to health professionals.

Part 1 - Getting to Know Pole Dancers


Pole dancing attracts a wide range of ages, abilities, genders and styles, with roots in stripping and global cultural influences. It offers physical and mental health benefits and meets moderate intensity activity guidelines. As skill level increases, injury risk also rises, highlighting the importance of appropriate load management.

  • Ask about pole type, genre and training background to understand physical demands.
  • Screen for hypermobility and monitor shoulder, wrist, forearm and hamstring load.
  • Educate on gradual progression and recovery to reduce repetitive injury risk.

Part 2 - Shoulder Injuries


Shoulder injuries are the most common issue in pole dancers due to high joint loading, especially in unfamiliar positions. Pain is often poorly localised and linked to training or competition demands rather than a clear injury event. Assessment can be challenging as symptoms may not be reproducible in clinic, making load management and communication central to care.

  • Assess neck and shoulder movement, strength, scapular control and relevant special tests.
  • Identify current training loads and competition timelines to guide symptom management.
  • Modify load rather than enforcing full rest to maintain capacity and reduce flare ups.

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Part 3 - Hamstring Injuries


Hamstring injuries are the second most common issue in pole dancers, often occurring during split-based positions with external force. Presentations are usually acute with proximal thigh pain, though some injuries develop more gradually and take longer to settle. Assessment findings guide decisions on imaging, load modification and staged rehabilitation to maintain participation.

  • Assess movement, strength, flexibility and neural sensitivity using functional tests.
  • Modify training to reduce symptom flare ups while keeping the dancer active.
  • Progress from early tension reduction to gradual hamstring strengthening as symptoms allow.

Part 4 - Thoracic Injuries


Thoracic injuries in pole dancers are under reported but commonly relate to high-strain during inverted positions, particularly in beginners and hypermobile athletes. Symptoms often include sharp pain with coughing and difficulty inverting. Assessment focuses on training load, movement control and thoracic function, with management aiming for early return while building capacity and reducing recurrence.

  • Assess thoracic movement, chest expansion, grip strength and invert specific control.
  • Manage symptoms early with soft tissue work while keeping dancers training where possible.
  • Use regressions such as rings, TRX or fit ball drills to support safer inversion progress.

Part 5 - Neurodivergence, Hypermobility & Pole


Many pole dancers are neurodivergent and hypermobile, which can increase injury risk, especially if they are newer to exercise. The clinician’s role is to provide supportive care that keeps them active and engaged within their community. Clear education and communication are key to building confidence and safe participation.

  • Use substitutions rather than stopping activity to maintain participation.
  • Demonstrate exercises clearly and avoid vague or abstract explanations.