Posted by: IADMS Promotion Committee 

This year's Annual Conference will host a few IADMS DUELS!

Here, we will introduce you to the two duelists debating CRYOTHERAPY - HELP OR HARM? 

Speaking for the HELP of cryotherapy:
Valerie Williams, PT, PhD, Brunel University, London, United Kingdom 

Photographer: Neil Graveney

1. Could you tell us about your presentation theme at the 27th IADMS Annual Conference?

My presentation is part of a the IADMS "duels" series. My colleague and I are debating the benefits and risks of cryotherapy using the available evidence on both sides. I am advocating the "help" of using ice in therapy, while she is arguing the "harm".

2. Why is it import to discuss this topic with the IADMS community? What are the implications of this topic to the dance sector/dance health professionals?

This topic is important because there is evidence to support to use of ice in therapy and evidence against it. We are presenting research and recommendations on both sides to help clinicians make informed decisions in their practice and education of dancers.

3. What are your thoughts on IADMS relevance for your field of work?

IADMS is very relevant to my field of work because it connects me with other clinicians and academics who work with dancers.

4. Personally, what is the importance of attending to IADMS annual conferences?

Attending IADMS annual conference is important to me because to provides an opportunity for me to meet with and listed to presentations of professionals from around the world. It helps to keep me up to date on research, and it also motivates me to continue working on my own projects to present and share.

5. What do you think you are most looking forward to on this year’s conference?

This year I am most looking forward to the opening symposium on what dance medicine and science can learn from sport. 

Speaking for the HARM of cryotherapy:
Rosie C. Canizares, PT DPT, SCS, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, PASIG, Orthopaedic section, American Physical Therapy Association 

Photographer: Duke Photography

1. Could you tell us about your presentation theme at the 27th IADMS Annual Conference?

I am presenting in the IADMS 'Duel' called "Cryotherapy- help or harm?" Additionally, I am a co-author of the posters "Associations among age, experience, and injuries of dancers presenting to a dancer wellness clinic" and "Musculoskeletal effects and injury risk in collegiate Indian classical and ballet dancers."

2. Why is it import to discuss this topic with the IADMS community? What are the implications of this topic to the dance sector/dance health professionals?

It is important to discuss cryotherapy with the IADMS community because many dancers use ice when they are in pain or injured whether they know why they are doing so or not. Dancers and the health care professionals who treat them should understand they why behind this intervention so that it can be used safely and most effectively so that it is helpful and not harmful.

3. What are your thoughts on IADMS relevance for your field of work?

I am so excited that IADMS exists as an organization! It is great to know that there are so many people in the world who share my interests and are committed to the health and wellness of dancers. It is also reassuring to be able to refer my dancer patients to other health care professionals that understand their unique needs, and it gives my physical therapy students an avenue to pursue their passion for dance medicine.

4. Personally, what is the importance of attending to IADMS annual conferences?

For me personally, the IADMS annual conference is a fantastic opportunity to network as well as stay on top of the research in the dance medicine world. I am also pleased to represent the Performing Arts Special Interest Group of the American Physical Therapy Association to the larger world-wide dance medicine community.

5. What do you think you are most looking forward to on this year’s conference?

I am most looking forward to seeing my dance medicine colleagues in person, particularly those members of the APTA's PASIG, and I anticipate meeting new colleagues and expanding my network.