Danielle Fishel Competes Despite Hamstring Tear

Danielle Fishel, 44, revealed she tore a hamstring in her right leg while rehearsing for Dancing With the Stars Season 34 and posted photos and video showing severe bruising after a deep-tissue massage that allegedly ruptured blood vessels. Despite the injury, she and partner Pasha Pashkov performed a cha-cha on One‑Hit Wonders night, earning a combined 19/30 (7,6,6), and she remained in the competition during a double elimination. Fishel said she is pushing through the pain, has consulted a surgeon, and is managing recovery with pain management, physical therapy two to three times a week, ice/heat, elevation and compression, while choreography has been adjusted to protect her leg. Medical experts warn that improperly managed hamstring tears can lead to chronic tendinopathy, stiffness, weakness and long-term mobility problems, so progressive rehabilitation and careful follow-up are important. Show producers, her partner and her doctor have cleared her to continue competing and say they are treating her "like an athlete" while balancing care with performance demands.