| Contents |
Preface -- Part one: Overview of how injuries can arise. My story: "No pain, no gain" -- You are not alone: the prevalence of injuries among instrumental musicians -- Why it may hurt to play: a definition of overuse -- The conductor is in the driver's seat: risk factors and stressors particular to orchestral life ; 10 risk factors for orchestral musicians -- Causes of overuse injuries. Injury susceptibility quiz ; 10 potential factors contributing to overuse -- Risk factors and understanding danger signals: this is your wake-up call ; 10 danger signals -- Part two: Explanation of various injuries. Static landing, back and disc problems. A few suggestions for good posture -- Muscle and tendon disorders of the arms and shoulders: muscle tendon disorders, tendinitis of the shoulder, bursitis, impingements, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder ; 10 onstage tricks that can be done even while playing -- Nerve entrapments, and hand and forearm pain: carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, reducing arm tension, thoracic outlet syndrome, Morton's neuroma ; 10 prevention tips for avoidance of nerve entrapments and other overuse injuries -- Other conditions: Raynaud's disease, beta blockers and performance anxiety, ganglion cysts, focal dystonia, fibromyalgia, fibrositis or myofascial pain syndrome, TMJ, eye problems, arthritis -- Part three: Preventative and restorative approaches. Too much, too soon? Guidelines for parents and teachers, the teacher-student dynamic, lips, jaws, fingers, teeth, asthma, instrument size, joint laxity, larynx -- Stretching and strengthening. 10 shower stretches ; 10 onstage stretches -- Chair problems. 10 lower back tension relievers -- Location, location, location: outdoor concerts and other hazards ; The musicians' survival travel kit: 10 essential items -- Hearing is our business: musicians' hearing loss ; Tinnitus -- The worst case scenario: what to do when you're hurt -- How do I start back? Rehabilitation and work-hardening -- Instrument modifications: splints, slings, supports and orthotics -- Practice, practice, practice: "No brain, no gain" ; A guide to sensible practicing, warming-up and cooling-down ; 10 backstage stretches ; 10 do's for injury prevention ; 10 don'ts for injury prevention -- Everyone is a lobbyist: views for the future ; Work-hardening, rotation, balancing programs, scheduling concerts, onsite trainers ; 10 suggestions for conductors and managers -- Part four: Further help is available. Resource list. Books in print, organizations, websites, videos, products, clinics and practitioners -- Order form. |
| Abstract |
How can musicians express themselves and recreate the great masterworks with ease and expressiveness and yet avoid injury in the process? Musicians face many challenges: a highly competitive environment, performance anxiety, demanding repertoire, years of solitary practice, and awkward postures. The hectic pace of rehearsals and performances when added to the mix often results in the very real risk of physical pain and injury. This book is a readable and comprehensive guide and reference for all concerned with pain in musical work: professional and amateur musicians, teachers and students, doctors and therapists. This book is essential for all musicians. String, keyboard, percussion, harp, brass and wind players will play better and feel better. Read about: Why it may hurt to play; Injury susceptibility quiz; Risk factors & danger signals; Hearing, back, disc, arm and shoulder problems; 10 onstage tricks; TMJ, teeth, larynx and joint laxity; Stretching & strengthening; Rehabilitation & work-hardening; Musician's survival kit; 10 do's & don'ts; Instrument modifications; Guide to safe practicing. |
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