The importance of teaching injury prevention in beginning musicians

Lindsey Showalter

800 South Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Introduction Results Conclusions

When describing musicians, people do not often link The education and prevention of
musicians to athleticism. However, musicians must train and Common Injuries
take care of their bodies in many ways similar to athletes. The
Musculoskeletal playing-related injuries is a critical
constant strain of sitting, standing, and moving in unnatural
positions can be detrimental to a musician’s health and their • Overuse, repetitive strain, (tendinitis, strains, sprains) part of a musician’s life. Playing-
ability to play their instruments. The plague of playing-related • Affects bones, joints, and soft tissues related injuries are a real and
injuries has affected musicians from the beginning of Neurological
instrumental music. Even though they can experience
• Focal dystonia, nerve entrapment, carpel tunnel, cubital tunnel
common threat to professional and
excruciating pain, musicians tend to play though the pain and
believe that pain is just another part of playing an instrument. Psychological amateur musicians. These issues can
This presentation aims to explore to importance of teaching
techniques to avoid these injuries from the start of a
• Depression, anxiety include musculoskeletal injuries,
musician’s musical instruction. Additionally, it will educate neurological complications, and
readers on the prevalence of playing-related injuries and how Causes
to avoid them. Genetic psychological issues. Fortunately,
• Hyper mobility, physical size they are preventable. The best way to
Technique/posture avoid these injuries is to educate
• Unnatural playing position
Environment music students from the very
Materials and methods • Lighting, space, sound, equipment beginning of their music education
Information was collected from a variety of on both the importance of
peer reviewed sources on the different playing- Prevention
related injuries, causes of the injuries, recognizing injuries and the proper
Instrument modifications
treatments, and how to prevent them. The • Padding, straps, stands, key extensions techniques to prevent them. The
information was then evaluated and organized Body mapping/Alexander Technique teacher is responsible for providing
into a comprehensive presentation. Healthy practice routine students with this information.
• Regular breaks from playing as well as thinking about the music, adequate space/lighting, warming up
Adequate playing space/environment
• Lighting, space, seating/stands
Early education

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Acknowledgments Further information
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Dawson, w. J., (2006). Playing without pain: Strategies for the developing instrumentalist. Music Educators Journal, 93. Retrieved from http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/002743210609300218
I would like to thank David Strigham for For further information, contact Lindsey
Foxman, I., & Burgel, B. J. (2006). Musician health and safety: Preventing playing-related musculoskeletal disorders. AAOHN, 54. Retrieved from http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/ providing feedback on this research paper and Showalter at showallr@dukes.jmu.edu or
10.1177/216507990605400703
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