The American Society of Hand Therapists celebrates “Hand Therapy Week” in June. There is an emphasis on therapists specializing in treating hand, wrist, arm, elbow, and shoulder injuries and conditions. Musicians, who may greatly benefit from hand treatment, might also be highlighted this week.
Musical instrument playing is emotional, mental, and physical. Generally, musicians risk neck, shoulder, wrist, and hand injuries. In fact, 63-93% of musicians will develop musculoskeletal discomfort from playing. Even the most careful musician might get symptoms or damage over the season.
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Symptoms
Professional musicians may have symptoms when they perform for longer or harder. Some symptoms include:
- Pain
- The onset of muscle cramps
- Muscle spasms
- Lack of motor control
- Lightheadedness
- Numbing sensation
- Stuck, catching, or locking joints
- Fingers that can’t hold themselves together
The Common Causes of Musicians’ Injury
Making music at an advanced level comes with uncountable benefits, but it also carries a considerable risk of actual injury. However, if you are aware of the consequences, you can lessen them and put yourself in a position to continue playing for the rest of your life.
You may think of hand therapy in Melbourne as an extension of your practice at all times. Their goal is to provide assistance and treatment that is uniquely suited to each patient by using a group of specialists to give them the help they need.
Overuse
Overuse injuries might occur if you continue playing or singing despite your limitations. Some performers insist they may avoid tissue damage using strain-free methods, but doctors disagree. So, even if the instrumentalists perform well if they play too often, they risk draining synovial fluid and causing harmful friction between the tendon and the sheath.
What does it mean? Swelling and pain that, if left untreated, may last indefinitely. What should you do? Whether playing an instrument or singing, it is recommended that we take frequent breaks, reduce repetition, and prevent unexpected significant increases in the amount of time spent making music.
Stumbles
Aside from preventing accidents in regular life, you need to take care to avert mistakes whether you’re transporting gear or dealing with intense performance conditions. Precautions include giving adequate time to set up before concerts so that you don’t hurry, using wheeled carts for heavy equipment, and adopting safe movement patterns.
Physical Differences
Since everyone has somewhat different proportions, musicians should ensure their instruments are properly sized to prevent injury.
For instance, small-handed pianists might benefit from training on instruments with narrower keys. Meanwhile, guitarists and bassists with shorter limbs could choose instruments with shorter scales, and wind performers with shorter fingers could benefit from using extensions on certain keys.
Personal Sensitiveness
The list of sensitivities that may affect musicians includes allergies as one of the most prominent examples. If you choose to disregard the indications of an allergy and continue to sing or play an instrument despite the inflammation, you run the risk of serious complications.
Stress
Both the mind and the body are vulnerable to the effects of stress. Generally, stress’s physical effects are reduced blood flow, poor circulation, and shallow breathing. Over time, stress may weaken the body’s defenses and prevent restful sleep.
Additionally, stress may make people feel uneasy, scattered, and unable to think clearly. However, it isn’t harmful, but excessive stress over long periods may raise the chance of damage.
Conclusion
Musicians benefit greatly from hand therapists’ services because they can determine the cause of an injury, treat the patient and coordinate with teachers to maintain consistent technique and posture. Improved results may be achieved by early diagnosis and treatment; therefore, education and intervention are crucial.