Musculoskeletal problems of instrumental musicians

Abstract

Musculoskeletal problems are frequent among professional instrumental musicians as well as music students and serious amateurs. Typically they are the result of the confluence of many risk factors rather than of a single acute injury. These risk factors include the particular instrument, the musician's gender and individual physical characteristics such as hand size and joint properties, and the duration and intensity of playing. While most are medically not serious, almost all potentially have adverse affects on musicianship. Successful assessment and treatment selection and outcomes depend on an appreciation of the mechanics of playing each instrument along with a familiarity of the multiple risks of being a musician, including lifestyle issues.