According to studies, musicians are at a higher risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the physical demands of playing musical instruments. One study conducted by the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians found that:
84% of musician members of orchestras reported performance-related MSDs, with the most commonly affected areas being the back, upper limb, and neck.
These injuries can have a significant impact on a musician’s ability to perform, leading to missed rehearsals, concerts, and even career-ending injuries. Unfortunately, less than half of musicians reported that they had completely recovered from their MSDs.
Contributing factors to these injuries can be related to training and playing load, prolonged posture, and overuse. For example, string players are at a higher risk of developing upper limb MSDs due to the repetitive motion and static muscle loading required to play their instruments.
How we treat:
Our goal is to help musicians not only recover from their injuries but also prevent them from happening in the first place, allowing them to continue to pursue their passion for music without any limitations.To address these issues, our rehabilitation service has a special interest in catering to musicians. Many of our clinicians have firsthand experience with the injuries commonly seen in musicians, as they are also active musicians themselves. This experience allows us to provide a unique and comprehensive approach to treating and preventing these injuries.
Management usually starts with a systemic movement pattern analysis and physical examination to identify faulty postures, movements, and muscle weaknesses. From there, we utilize various techniques to relieve pain and set up a conditioning program tailored to the specific needs of the musician. We also provide advice on long-term management to ensure the musician can continue to play at their highest level and avoid future injuries.