Patient Information Documents
Dance Doctor - (for children) Reprint from Scholastic Magazine
“Dr. Weiss helps keep dancers in top physical form."
Dr-Weiss-Scholastic-2012.pdf
Concussions - Information for Performers
Concussions in performers are common. Learn more, including signs and symptoms, management, and safe return to performance in this three page monograph from Dance USA.
concussion-danceusa-10-26-15.pdf
Concussion Fact Sheet
One page information sheet summarizing the diagnosis and treatment of concussions in performers, from the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries.
concussions-performers-info-sheet-2016-sept.pdf
Returning to Play for Musicians: Playing Schedule
Information on how musicians should return to playing their instrument after an overuse injury, including a recommended playing schedule.
returning-to-play-for-musicians.pdf
When Can I Start Pointe Work?
Article written by Dr. Weiss for parents and dance students, as well as for dance educators and medical professionals. The paper provides guidance regarding the age at which a student can safely begin pointe work.
start-pointe.pdf
Web Links
Dr. Weiss at NYU Langone Health
http://nyulangone.org/doctors/1467453001/david-s-weiss
Dr. Weiss’ NYU Langone Health website.
Immediate Care Center at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital (“I-Care”)
http://nyulangone.org/locations/samuels-orthopaedic-immediate-care-center
This walk-in urgent care center treats orthopedic problems only. As a result, there is much less of a wait as compared to an emergency room. The center is staffed by emergency medicine physicians from NYU Langone Health and has complete x-ray facilities on-site. It is open from 8 am to 10:30 pm, 7 days a week.
Workers’ Compensation Board, New York State
www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Workers/Workers.jsp
The complete source for workers in New York State with an on-the-job injury. Information on benefits (“lost wages” – replacing your salary) when you are out of work (click here for direct link), treatment guidelines, hearings, and other issues.
If you are having difficulty dealing with your insurance carrier, you can get assistance by contacting the “Advocate for Injured Workers” (email: advinjwkr@wcb.ny.gov; phone 877-632-4996).
Actors’ Equity Supplemental Workers’ Compensation
http://equityleague.org/my-health-plan/supplemental-workers-compensation/
Information on supplemental Workers’ Compensation benefits available to Actors’ Equity performers who are injured on the job and lose time and salary as a result. This policy provides for reimbursement in addition to the benefits paid by the Workers' Compensation insurance carrier. (Please note: No reimbursement will be made if you miss one show on a two-show day.) For additional information, contact John Lynes at Actors' Equity.
Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund):
The Dancers’ Resource
https://entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/dancers-resource/
Resources and support for professional dancers dealing with significant injury.
Mental Health Services for Performers
https://entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/mental-health/
A referral service to licensed clinicians who help entertainment industry professionals and their families deal with issues like work and personal stress, anxiety, depression and life transitions.
New York State COBRA Assistance Subsidy Payment Program
https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/health_insurance/continuation_assistance_demonstration_program_for_entertainment_industry_employees
The New York State Legislature has enacted a law which provides a subsidy to New York State residents in the entertainment industry to assist in paying for COBRA coverage. You need to submit an application to the New York State Insurance Department. If you are approved, you will receive a subsidy to cover 50% of the cost of your COBRA premiums.
Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/
A comprehensive reference on herbs and supplements from the National Institutes of Health.
Informational Papers on Dancer Health (Dance USA)
https://www.danceusa.org/informational-papers
These papers from the Task Force on Dancer Health are educational overviews on topics that are important for the professional dance community. There are over 25 papers, covering a broad range of subjects.
Eccentric Exercise – Achilles
https://youtu.be/oaAseNxr1KA
This short video demonstrates the technique for performing calf eccentric strengthening exercises, used to treat achilles tendinopathy.
Eccentric Exercise – Quadriceps
https://youtu.be/ul09qA4hJQg
This short video demonstrates the technique for performing quadriceps eccentric strengthening exercises, used to treat patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee).
Hypermobility
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/2017-eds-classification-non-experts/
Dancers are often loose-jointed (hypermobile), but so are many other persons. The condition is inherited, and has now been categorized as "Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobile Type" or hEDS. Research in recent years has revealed that hEDS is associated with many non-orthopedic conditions, causing gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immunological, and other medical problems. These 13 papers are written for lay people, and describe hEDS and its many manifestations.
Career Transition For Dancers
https://entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/career-transition-dancers/
Career Transition For Dancers, a program of the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund), enables dancers to define their career possibilities and develop the skills necessary to excel in a variety of disciplines.
Harkness Center for Dance Injuries
http://www.med.nyu.edu/hjd/harkness/
Information about the clinical, educational, and research activities of this center, where Dr. Weiss is Associate Director.
Performing Arts Medicine Association
http://www.artsmed.org
Educational organization for the performing arts medicine community.
International Association for Dance Medicine & Science
http://www.iadms.org
Educational organization for the dance medicine community.
Disposal of Unused Medications
Many pharmacies have kiosks where you can safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Walgreens/Duane Reade kiosk locations
All pharmacy kiosk locations in New York State
Animated Anatomy Tutorials
Videos available for cervical spine, lumbar spine, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. Click the "Playlist" icon in the upper right to choose your topic.