Hand difficulties among musicians

Abstract

We describe our experience with 100 musicians in whom occupation-related difficulties developed. The majority, pianists, experienced hand difficulties in midcareer (average age, 31 years). These were described as "pain, tightening, or weakness" of the right hand or arm or drooping of the fourth or fifth fingers. These difficulties led to loss of control (34%) or diminished facility (18%), endurance (18%), or speed (18%) while playing trills, arpeggios, or octaves requiring fast, forte finger movements. Most commonly found were inflammatory disorders of tendon or joint (45%) or disorders of motor control (24%). Less likely were entrapment of peripheral nerves and noninflammatory tendon or joint disorders.