The Musician

Playing an instrument requires finely controlled repetitive motions relying on the skilled use of the muscles, nerves and bones (neuromusculoskeletal system). The need to control breathing (respiratory system) and maintain concentration while working in unnatural postures for long hours puts the body under enormous stress. 

These demands on the body result in specific types of injuries, chronic pain and health issues. In addition, stressful working conditions, such as prolonged periods of performance without rest, hydration and irregular food patterns, all affect the health of a musician.

Having a greater understanding of how the body works while in the postures of the instrument played will increase the longevity and quality of a musician's career. 

 Treatments include hands on therapy as well as instrumented assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).

Common Pain and Injury Treated for Musicians:

• Neck and shoulder pain.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• First and second rib dysfunction.
• Muscle spasms and cramps.
• Vocal muscle strain or “muscle tension dysphonia”.
• Back pain.
• Neuropathy “numbness of the hands, fingers, feet and toes".
• Sciatic pain.
• Jaw (TMJ) disorders involving the nerves and muscles of the jaw and neck.
• Thoracic outlet syndrome, from chronic compression of the nerves and blood vessels that pass between the muscles in the neck, shoulder and rib cage which can include pain or numbness in the neck, back and arms.
• Upper cross syndrome (rolled shoulders and forward head posture).
• Lower cross syndrome, (pelvic dysfunction and glute/abdominal muscular imbalance).
• RSI, elbow and forearm pain such as ulnar neuropathy, tennis elbow and tendonitis.
• Diaphragmatic and intercostal breathing dysfunction.
• Foot dysfunction and shin pain.