The not so funny story over here (Scotland) is of a father of three who died of a heart attack after dancing Gangnam Style at a Christmas Party. The wake must have been the definition of a mix of tears and laughter. And after being conned into giving my own version of the dance, I sympathize with the guy even more.
A fellow by the name of David Roberts, managing director of David Roberts Physiotherapy, has issued a warning to all would be gangnamers everything: this is all a part of Psy's dastardly plan to end Western civilization and kill Americans. You dance, you die… sounds simple enough, right?
Actually, that isn't what Roberts said, Roberts listed all the injuries that could befall women (apparently men dying of heart attacks doesn't count) and basically put a pall on the entire concept of dancing.
Here is his list of what might happen if you should randomly choose to ride em cowgirl:
1) Tango tendonitis – generally affects the Achilles tendons and knees, caused by repetitive up and down movements
2) Conga calf – usually suffered by groups of people after over exuberant twists and turns whilst hanging on to each other
3) Jive spine – usually suffered when 'Dad dancing' – men trying to lift their dance partners off the ground
4) Rumba Lumbar – localised pain in the lower back caused by jerky pelvic rotations
5) Brent elbow – usually suffered by men after imitating their comedy hero
6) Latin Lurch – similar to Rumba wrench
7) Cha Cha knee – caused by repeated and abrupt twists and turns and basically just 'going for it'
8 ) Hip Hop hip – a recent phenomenon experienced by aging street dancers
9) Ankle twist and shout – mainly caused by killer heels – can also happen when stepping off the kerb on the way home
10) Salsa sprain – affect all muscle groups, generally caused by dancing all night long.
A few sensible measures after a party injury could ensure you don't end up with long-term injuries.
Top tips to treat party prangs
1. Rest and call for help to get you home or to your GP
2. Place a bag of ice over the injured part for about 20 minutes – there will be plenty behind the bar!
3. Wrap a bandage/ towel around the ice to provide compression to the injury
4. Elevate the injured part – knee, ankle especially, so your toes are above your nose.
If an injury or niggle doesn't go away after a week then I'd strongly advise a trip to the physio to get you moving on the dance floor again.