Injury Prevention for Instrumental Musicians
Approximately 50% of professional musicians and music students have playing-related musculoskeletal complaints that impair their ability to perform. Furthermore, many musicians think that pain is normal and they do not take action to address pain experienced.
Most playing-related injuries can be avoided through education, and most injured musicians can return to full and pain-free playing with carefully designed treatment.
Risk factors for injury
Musicians are at greatest risk for injury when they change technique or instrument, undergo intense preparation for performance, prepare a new and difficult piece and give a prolonged performance without adequate rest.
Warning signs
Signs that may indicate a musculoskeletal injury related to the playing of a musical instrument include weakness in the hands; difficulty with fine control of the fingers; discomfort, pain, tingling, or numbness while playing; stiffness or limited range of motion; and postural changes.
SSPT’s injury prevention seminars
SSPT's injury prevention seminars for instrumental musicians provide players with information about:
- Common conditions experienced by instrumental musicians
- How posture and body mechanics contribute to pain discomfort
- The anatomy of the hand, the role of the shoulder in performing, and how ergonomic practices can prevent pain and injury
- Strategies to prevent conditions from recurring
Learn more about some conditions related to playing musical instruments:
