Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Players: A Review

Abstract

Performing Arts Medicine is a broad field that includes the study of medical conditions and injuries incurred by dancers, instrument musicians and vocalists. Musicians' playing-related health problems have focused more and more the interest of scientists, researchers, physicians, physiotherapists and, in generally, of health care professionals during the last decades. The most relevant Performing Arts Medicine's literature of approximately the past twenty years has been summarized. Special attention has been given to studies concerning playing-related musculoskeletal conditions of musicians. Overuse syndrome is the most reported diagnosis among instrumental musicians suffering from playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs), despite the fact that epidemiologic rates of PRMDs among woodwind, brass and percussion musicians seem to variate widely. An unambiguous definition of specific PRMDs seems to be more and more necessary, and would permit subsequent studies not to be excluded in the data collection of further systematic reviews. In conclusion, in order to change musicians atrisk behaviours a significant mind-changing is necessary and prevention should be considered as a living matter. Health care professional should also represent an important stream to make aware musicians about PRMDs and pain management.

A Painful Symphony: The Presence of Overuse Syndrome in Professional Classical Musicians

“…Flute players may be affected by specific musculoskeletal problems directly related with their instrumental practice, such as lip muscle injury. An example of such an injury is rupture of the orbicularis oris, also known as Satchmo's syndrome (Cebriá i Iranzo et al, 2010). Flute players are more common to present inflammatory conditions, such as de Quervain's tenosynovitis at the wrist and trigger digits, although they may be affected by muscle strains problems too (Dawson).…”

Correlation between risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders among classical musicians

“…This phenomenon has been designated as playing related musculoskeletal disorder (PRMD) with a prevalence among musicians varying between 60 and 80% [2][3][4][5]. PRMD consists of non-specific muscle and tendon complaints that are attributed to inflammatory disorders of tendons and tendon sheaths and compression or entrapment of peripheral nerves in several areas [2,[5][6][7][8][9]. The variation in prevalance is related to the type of instrument played [2,10].…”

The Prevalence of Upper Limb Pain Among Veena Players: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…According to Cebria et al (2010), all woodwind players suffered from inflammation in their hands caused by the need to constantly support the instrument while performing 5 .…”

“…In recent years, medical issues among musicians have increased and have gained much attention as the industry has grown so much over the years 4 . According to Cebria et al 5 , the most common injury faced by musicians is the 'overuse syndrome'. This term is normally used when the musician suffers from pain from which a diagnosis cannot be made and has been recognized as an occupational over use.…”