A Young Dancer’s Journey to Freer Hips

This week, a 14-year-old Irish dancer came to see me with tight hips that had been bothering her for a while. She explained how her kicks felt restricted and how the stiffness was starting to take the joy out of her dancing. For someone so passionate about her dancing, it was clear how much this was weighing on her.

During the session, we worked gently but deeply into the muscles around her hips, glutes, and legs. Bit by bit, the tension began to ease. By the end, she stood up, took a few steps, and her face lit up. “My hips feel so much lighter,” she said.

The change was immediate – her movement felt freer, her posture more natural, and that heavy tightness had lifted. Most importantly, her confidence returned. She was already talking about her next  competition and how good it would feel to dance without that restriction.

Moments like this remind me why I love being a sports massage therapist. It’s not just about easing tight muscles – it’s about helping young athletes get back to the activities that light them up inside. Seeing her walk out with a smile and a spring in her step was the best reward.