'Dancing with the Stars' Injuries & Health Crises That Rocked the Ballroom

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The season 30 pair had to quarantine beginning in late September after theyboth tested positive for breakthrough COVID-19, marking the show’s first cases. As a result, they performed remotely from their own homes on the Oct. 4 episode, receiving an 18 out of 30 for their Britney Spears-inspired routine.

The pro dancer continued, “Like, you don’t have to talk about us getting COVID, we get it, we’re sick, but at the end of the day, just the amount of work and having to dance as two soloists as opposed to dancing together, when you can manipulate your partner’s body movement and the musicality…”

02of 24Hannah Brown’s Post-Show PainHannah Brown and Alan Bersten.Eric McCandless/ABCIn January 2021,the formerBachelorettestar shared a series of videoson her Instagram Story, revealing that she hasn’t been able to workout in nearly half a year as she continues to deal with the trauma her body endured during the ABC dance competition.“I’m going on a little walk. I feel like I’ve been not as open about my life with you guys, so I’m gonna try to share more. I think this political climate and with COVID has been hard for all of us and me too,” Brown began in her video. “Usually when I’m struggling, dealing with my mental health, I can go to working out. Well, for the past five months, maybe almost six, I haven’t been able to work out like I used to.“Then, the reality star revealed that she’s gone to physical therapy due to injuries that were put under “additional stress” from her time onDWTS.“I am still going to the doctor and trying to figure it out but I think a lot of my body hurting comes from some issues that started onDancing with the Starsand I just kept going from zero to 100 — I’m either all or nothing — and pushed it too much to where I now have, like, some issues that I am having to deal with physical therapy,” she said. “So I’ve been doing that mostly and then going on some walks and bike rides, but honestly, that’s it.“Going forward, Brown said she plans to explore “new workout methods” as she adjusts and listens to what her body needs.

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Hannah Brown’s Post-Show Pain

Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten.Eric McCandless/ABC

In January 2021,the formerBachelorettestar shared a series of videoson her Instagram Story, revealing that she hasn’t been able to workout in nearly half a year as she continues to deal with the trauma her body endured during the ABC dance competition.

“I’m going on a little walk. I feel like I’ve been not as open about my life with you guys, so I’m gonna try to share more. I think this political climate and with COVID has been hard for all of us and me too,” Brown began in her video. “Usually when I’m struggling, dealing with my mental health, I can go to working out. Well, for the past five months, maybe almost six, I haven’t been able to work out like I used to.”

Then, the reality star revealed that she’s gone to physical therapy due to injuries that were put under “additional stress” from her time onDWTS.

“I am still going to the doctor and trying to figure it out but I think a lot of my body hurting comes from some issues that started onDancing with the Starsand I just kept going from zero to 100 — I’m either all or nothing — and pushed it too much to where I now have, like, some issues that I am having to deal with physical therapy,” she said. “So I’ve been doing that mostly and then going on some walks and bike rides, but honestly, that’s it.”

Going forward, Brown said she plans to explore “new workout methods” as she adjusts and listens to what her body needs.

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Lauren Alaina’s Ribs

Justin Stephens/ABC

The country star had “four hurt ribs” during the Oct. 28, 2019,Halloween episode, but that didn’t stop her from wowing the judges.

“When she said my core looked strong I looked straight at Gleb because all I have been trying to do is pretend my ribs aren’t broken this whole competition,” Alaina continued. “I fractured the one on the left the first week of the show and I haven’t had these X-rayed, but they don’t feel great.”

Savchenko commended his partner’s willingness to push through the discomfort. “She’s so strong. I’m so proud that she got through it,” he said. “We had a tough week and I’m really proud of you. You did a great job.”

04of 24Christie Brinkley’s ArmABC/Justin Stephens (2)Brinkley had to drop out of her season ofDancing with the Starsafter falling andbreaking her arm during rehearsals. But have no fear, her daughter Sailor was here!Andshefit perfectlyinto her then-65-year-old mom’s costume.The model mom joked in a statement, “Showbiz is all about getting a break, and Sailor and I both got one onDancing with the Starsthis season. Sailor joined the cast when I got mine … ouch somebody stop me, it hurts to laugh!“As for Sailor, she was happy to fill her mama’s dancing shoes. “I’m doing this mostly for my mom! I just want to make her happy and make her proud,“the then-21-year-old said. “She loved doing this, she loves dancing and she loves performing and getting hurt was her worst nightmare.”

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Christie Brinkley’s Arm

ABC/Justin Stephens (2)

Brinkley had to drop out of her season ofDancing with the Starsafter falling andbreaking her arm during rehearsals. But have no fear, her daughter Sailor was here!Andshefit perfectlyinto her then-65-year-old mom’s costume.

The model mom joked in a statement, “Showbiz is all about getting a break, and Sailor and I both got one onDancing with the Starsthis season. Sailor joined the cast when I got mine … ouch somebody stop me, it hurts to laugh!”

As for Sailor, she was happy to fill her mama’s dancing shoes. “I’m doing this mostly for my mom! I just want to make her happy and make her proud,“the then-21-year-old said. “She loved doing this, she loves dancing and she loves performing and getting hurt was her worst nightmare.”

05of 24Pamela Anderson’s LegDanse Avec Les Stars/TwitterWhile practicing forDancing with the StarsFrance,the actress had quite the scare.“I hurt my right calf muscle in rehearsal last night,“Andersonwrote on Instagram on Oct. 18, 2018. “We weren’t doing anything crazy just dancing. It felt like someone threw a baseball very hard at my lower leg- I screamed and turned around and no one was there. then realized it was my calf muscle that may have exploded?“She had the support of her partner, Maxime Dereymez, who Anderson claims “did all he could.““He carried me to car and then carried me to my hotel room,” she continued. “Kine' came to my room. My mom stayed with me through the night.“It was her second injury of the season and left her on crutches, however she was doing “anything” to make it to the next live performance show.

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Pamela Anderson’s Leg

Danse Avec Les Stars/Twitter

While practicing forDancing with the StarsFrance,the actress had quite the scare.

“I hurt my right calf muscle in rehearsal last night,“Andersonwrote on Instagram on Oct. 18, 2018. “We weren’t doing anything crazy just dancing. It felt like someone threw a baseball very hard at my lower leg- I screamed and turned around and no one was there. then realized it was my calf muscle that may have exploded?”

She had the support of her partner, Maxime Dereymez, who Anderson claims “did all he could.”

“He carried me to car and then carried me to my hotel room,” she continued. “Kine' came to my room. My mom stayed with me through the night.”

It was her second injury of the season and left her on crutches, however she was doing “anything” to make it to the next live performance show.

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Craig Sjodin/ABC

While gearing up for season 27, the Nashville radio DJrevealed he’d been elbowed(hard!) in the mouth, twice.

“I had to fill out a lot of paperwork, because I got hit really hard,” he told PEOPLE after one incident that required him to file a dental claim. “There was blood and a tooth. I still don’t know what I’m doing. [Partner Sharna Burgess] was doing her spin thing, and she was doing what she was supposed to do, and my face was not doing what it was supposed to do.”

07of 24Victoria Arlen’s Body SpasmWhilerehearsing for a season 25 live show, Arlen — who, at age 11, was diagnosed with a neurological condition and an autoimmune disease, whichaffected her spinal cord and left her in a vegetative state for four years— bent over in pain after the entire right side of her body went into a spasm. Partner Val Chmerkovskiy got her some medical attention, and the two still went on to compete that night.“I definitely didn’t feel as strong as I felt in dress before the spasm,” Arlen explained to co-host Tom Bergeron after her dance and before the judges awarded her a 24/30. “But kind of overcoming that … getting out of that scared mindset really helped me kind of go out there. It wasn’t as good as it could have been, but given the circumstances, I’m very happy with it.”

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Victoria Arlen’s Body Spasm

Whilerehearsing for a season 25 live show, Arlen — who, at age 11, was diagnosed with a neurological condition and an autoimmune disease, whichaffected her spinal cord and left her in a vegetative state for four years— bent over in pain after the entire right side of her body went into a spasm. Partner Val Chmerkovskiy got her some medical attention, and the two still went on to compete that night.

“I definitely didn’t feel as strong as I felt in dress before the spasm,” Arlen explained to co-host Tom Bergeron after her dance and before the judges awarded her a 24/30. “But kind of overcoming that … getting out of that scared mindset really helped me kind of go out there. It wasn’t as good as it could have been, but given the circumstances, I’m very happy with it.”

08of 24Lindsey Stirling’s Rib InjuryAfter heading to the hospital after she suffered a rib injury during rehearsals, the season 25 front-runner faced the possibility of sitting out from the rest of the competition. But she pushed through, earning 27/30 on a fast-moving paso doblé the very next day.“She’s doing better,” partner Mark Ballastold reporters after the show. “She wanted to be here tonight [to talk to press], but I told her she needed to go rest and put ice on her ribs … Her health comes first.”

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Lindsey Stirling’s Rib Injury

After heading to the hospital after she suffered a rib injury during rehearsals, the season 25 front-runner faced the possibility of sitting out from the rest of the competition. But she pushed through, earning 27/30 on a fast-moving paso doblé the very next day.

“She’s doing better,” partner Mark Ballastold reporters after the show. “She wanted to be here tonight [to talk to press], but I told her she needed to go rest and put ice on her ribs … Her health comes first.”

09of 24KIM ZOLCIAK-BIERMANN’S MINI-STROKEAfter Zolciak-Biermannsuffered a mini-stroke, she was forced to withdraw from the season 21 competition because she wouldn’t be able to get from Atlanta to Los Angeles in time for her performance. Though she was sad to self-eliminate, she said that the show’s hectic schedule, which she believes caused the blood clot,was a blessing.

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KIM ZOLCIAK-BIERMANN’S MINI-STROKE

After Zolciak-Biermannsuffered a mini-stroke, she was forced to withdraw from the season 21 competition because she wouldn’t be able to get from Atlanta to Los Angeles in time for her performance. Though she was sad to self-eliminate, she said that the show’s hectic schedule, which she believes caused the blood clot,was a blessing.

10of 24MARIE OSMOND’S FAINTING SPELLCraig Sjodin/ABC/GettyIt was a television moment so shocking producers couldn’t have planned it: In the midst of receiving her critique from the judges in season 5,Osmond faintedand remained on the ground for 30 seconds. She ended up being fine; even as producers were encouraging her to go to the medic, she waited to get her scores and was able to continue on in the competition.

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MARIE OSMOND’S FAINTING SPELL

Craig Sjodin/ABC/Getty

It was a television moment so shocking producers couldn’t have planned it: In the midst of receiving her critique from the judges in season 5,Osmond faintedand remained on the ground for 30 seconds. She ended up being fine; even as producers were encouraging her to go to the medic, she waited to get her scores and was able to continue on in the competition.

11of 24MARK BALLAS' BAD BACKCraig Sjodin/ABCThe pro hadan old injury flare upin season 22, causing him to pull out of the competition for one week to recover (a troupe member took his place with partner Paige VanZant). “We weren’t warmed up, so I wasn’t going to do the tricks,” VanZant recalled of their run-through. “But he said we had to because we didn’t have a lot of time. We’d done the first trick 100 times. But the first time we did Sunday, he hurts his back.” From that moment, things got “really stressful,“said VanZant.

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MARK BALLAS' BAD BACK

The pro hadan old injury flare upin season 22, causing him to pull out of the competition for one week to recover (a troupe member took his place with partner Paige VanZant). “We weren’t warmed up, so I wasn’t going to do the tricks,” VanZant recalled of their run-through. “But he said we had to because we didn’t have a lot of time. We’d done the first trick 100 times. But the first time we did Sunday, he hurts his back.” From that moment, things got “really stressful,“said VanZant.

12of 24GINGER ZEE’S PELVIS INJURYThe meteorologist’s appearance in the season 22 finale was up in the air aftershe hurt her pelvis during rehearsals. “I couldn’t even do two of my dress rehearsal runs today because, for one, I can’t even do some of the moves. I’m not allowed to,” she shared. “I’m not even close to where I need to be to perform.” But the next day, she was back in action, visiting a physical therapist before hitting the ballroom.

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GINGER ZEE’S PELVIS INJURY

The meteorologist’s appearance in the season 22 finale was up in the air aftershe hurt her pelvis during rehearsals. “I couldn’t even do two of my dress rehearsal runs today because, for one, I can’t even do some of the moves. I’m not allowed to,” she shared. “I’m not even close to where I need to be to perform.” But the next day, she was back in action, visiting a physical therapist before hitting the ballroom.

13of 24TERRA JOLE’S HERNIASEric McCandless/ABC via Getty ImagesThe season 23 contestant competedwearing a back braceto help prevent further injuries to her existing hernias. “I’m still pushing myself to the very limit,” she wrote in her blog for PEOPLE. “I know I’ll pay for it later, but it’s worth it.”

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TERRA JOLE’S HERNIAS

Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

The season 23 contestant competedwearing a back braceto help prevent further injuries to her existing hernias. “I’m still pushing myself to the very limit,” she wrote in her blog for PEOPLE. “I know I’ll pay for it later, but it’s worth it.”

14of 24JORDAN FISHER’S PRIOR INJURIESFisher suffered injuries while practicing gymnastics as a child, and his body is still recovering, making season 25 a challenge for the star. “I don’t have great hips for somebody who’s 23,“he told PEOPLE. “I think adrenaline is a big factor. It definitely can mask a lot of things that I deal with, but the moment I get into my car and head home, that’s when my body goes ‘Oh God.'” In addition to his weak hips, the actor says he suffers from tendinitis in both achilles, thin cartilage in his ankles and rotator cuff issues in his right shoulder. “I’m definitely sore all the time,” added Fisher, who receives frequent care from a massage therapist. But the singer said exercise — like dancing — actually helps him prevent “real damage” in the future.

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JORDAN FISHER’S PRIOR INJURIES

Fisher suffered injuries while practicing gymnastics as a child, and his body is still recovering, making season 25 a challenge for the star. “I don’t have great hips for somebody who’s 23,“he told PEOPLE. “I think adrenaline is a big factor. It definitely can mask a lot of things that I deal with, but the moment I get into my car and head home, that’s when my body goes ‘Oh God.'” In addition to his weak hips, the actor says he suffers from tendinitis in both achilles, thin cartilage in his ankles and rotator cuff issues in his right shoulder. “I’m definitely sore all the time,” added Fisher, who receives frequent care from a massage therapist. But the singer said exercise — like dancing — actually helps him prevent “real damage” in the future.

15of 24TAMAR BRAXTON’S BLOOD CLOTSAfter she was sent to the hospital during the show’s dress rehearsal,Braxton was forced to bow outof the competition due to blood clots in her lungs. Competing on the same season as Zolciak-Biermann, she was the second competitor to withdraw.

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TAMAR BRAXTON’S BLOOD CLOTS

After she was sent to the hospital during the show’s dress rehearsal,Braxton was forced to bow outof the competition due to blood clots in her lungs. Competing on the same season as Zolciak-Biermann, she was the second competitor to withdraw.

16of 24DEREK HOUGH’S INJURED FOOTThe five-time Mirrorball Trophy winner’s future on the show’s 20th season was in jeopardy afterhe injured his footduring rehearsals with then-partner Nastia Liukin. He broke a toe on his right foot and sprained his left ankle. Though he was forced to sit out for a week, he eventually came back, and the two went on to compete in the semi-finals.

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DEREK HOUGH’S INJURED FOOT

The five-time Mirrorball Trophy winner’s future on the show’s 20th season was in jeopardy afterhe injured his footduring rehearsals with then-partner Nastia Liukin. He broke a toe on his right foot and sprained his left ankle. Though he was forced to sit out for a week, he eventually came back, and the two went on to compete in the semi-finals.

17of 24KATHERINE JENKINS’S LOWER BACK PAINCraig Sjodin/ABC via GettyThe vocalist was a frontrunner in the season 14 competition, making it to the semi-finals before she startedexperiencing lower back painduring her performance, which led her to make a mistake and start crying when she finished the dance. The tears weren’t just emotional: Jenkins suffered a reflectorial spasm in her lower back, and wasforced to visit a doctor.Luckily, the injury didn’t set her back too far: she ended up taking second place in the competition.

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KATHERINE JENKINS’S LOWER BACK PAIN

Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty

The vocalist was a frontrunner in the season 14 competition, making it to the semi-finals before she startedexperiencing lower back painduring her performance, which led her to make a mistake and start crying when she finished the dance. The tears weren’t just emotional: Jenkins suffered a reflectorial spasm in her lower back, and wasforced to visit a doctor.Luckily, the injury didn’t set her back too far: she ended up taking second place in the competition.

18of 24CRISTIÁN DE LA FUENTE’S MUSCLE CRAMPIn season 6, after hesuffered a ruptured tendon in his bicep— the tearing of muscle from bone — de la Fuente needed surgery. The injury was serious and affected his ability to twist his arm (and his partner) on the dance floor. However, de la Fuente didn’t let that stop him in the competition: He ended up delaying surgery so he could continue competing on the show. With partner Cheryl Burke, the actor eventually placed third.

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CRISTIÁN DE LA FUENTE’S MUSCLE CRAMP

In season 6, after hesuffered a ruptured tendon in his bicep— the tearing of muscle from bone — de la Fuente needed surgery. The injury was serious and affected his ability to twist his arm (and his partner) on the dance floor. However, de la Fuente didn’t let that stop him in the competition: He ended up delaying surgery so he could continue competing on the show. With partner Cheryl Burke, the actor eventually placed third.

19of 24JULIANNE HOUGH’S STOMACH PAINIn 2008’s season 7, when Hough was still a pro on the show (these days, she’s sometimes a judge), shewas rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pains— a symptom of endometriosis. Hough, who was then partnered with Cody Linley, didn’t have to take any time off from the competition, and only spent a few hours in the hospital before she was sent home to rest.

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JULIANNE HOUGH’S STOMACH PAIN

In 2008’s season 7, when Hough was still a pro on the show (these days, she’s sometimes a judge), shewas rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pains— a symptom of endometriosis. Hough, who was then partnered with Cody Linley, didn’t have to take any time off from the competition, and only spent a few hours in the hospital before she was sent home to rest.

20of 24MELISSA RYCROFT’S DISC HERNIATIONDuring rehearsals for a group dance on the all-star season ofDancing with the Stars,Rycroft was injuredand sent to the hospital. Her diagnosis? A disc herniation, which left her chances in the competition in jeopardy. However, she overcame the obstacle, and went on towinthe competition.

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MELISSA RYCROFT’S DISC HERNIATION

During rehearsals for a group dance on the all-star season ofDancing with the Stars,Rycroft was injuredand sent to the hospital. Her diagnosis? A disc herniation, which left her chances in the competition in jeopardy. However, she overcame the obstacle, and went on towinthe competition.

21of 24MISTY MAY-TREANOR’S TORN ACHILLESMay-Treanor, a gold medal-winning Olympian,was forced to withdrawfrom the season 7 competition after she tore her Achilles tendon during rehearsal. The injury required surgery, which meant that she could no longer dance with partner Maks Chmerkovskiy.

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MISTY MAY-TREANOR’S TORN ACHILLES

May-Treanor, a gold medal-winning Olympian,was forced to withdrawfrom the season 7 competition after she tore her Achilles tendon during rehearsal. The injury required surgery, which meant that she could no longer dance with partner Maks Chmerkovskiy.

22of 24BILL NYE’S TORN TENDONAfter he tripped during a season 17 performance, Nye was forced to check into the hospital for an MRI. He ended upwith a torn tendon, and his doctor told him that he shouldn’t dance the following week. Never one to follow orders, Nye decided to dance despite his doctor’s recommendation. Though the judges applauded his determination, his low scores led him to be sent home anyway.

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BILL NYE’S TORN TENDON

After he tripped during a season 17 performance, Nye was forced to check into the hospital for an MRI. He ended upwith a torn tendon, and his doctor told him that he shouldn’t dance the following week. Never one to follow orders, Nye decided to dance despite his doctor’s recommendation. Though the judges applauded his determination, his low scores led him to be sent home anyway.

23of 24MAKS CHMERKOVSKIY’S CALF INJURYChermovskiy wasforced to sit out for four weeksof competition after he injured his calf during rehearsals in season 24. When he returned, he and partner Heather Morris received a perfect 40 score from the judges — only to be eliminated that same night.

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MAKS CHMERKOVSKIY’S CALF INJURY

Chermovskiy wasforced to sit out for four weeksof competition after he injured his calf during rehearsals in season 24. When he returned, he and partner Heather Morris received a perfect 40 score from the judges — only to be eliminated that same night.

24of 24DREW SCOTT’S HAMSTRINGCraig Sjodin/GettyDuring a camera blocking rehearsal in season 25, theProperty Brothersstarinjured his hamstring, which left that night’s performance up in the air. Though he wasn’t able to do a full lunge, he was still able to perform his quickstep, and continue on in the competition for the following week.

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DREW SCOTT’S HAMSTRING

Craig Sjodin/Getty

During a camera blocking rehearsal in season 25, theProperty Brothersstarinjured his hamstring, which left that night’s performance up in the air. Though he wasn’t able to do a full lunge, he was still able to perform his quickstep, and continue on in the competition for the following week.

source: people.com