What is Performing Arts Medicine?
- Focuses on the specific health needs of musicians
- An inter-disciplinary research including medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, audiology, exercise physiology, nutrition science and speech therapy
What are the common medical problems faced by orchestral musicians?
- Overuse injuries of the musculoskeletal system (e.g. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, etc)
- Muscle fatigue affecting instrumental performance and technique
- Postural or muscular imbalances
- Embouchure dysfunction
- Loss of hearing due to excessive sound exposure
- Performance anxiety
- Depression
What’s the solution?
- Fortunately, many of these problems are preventable and modifiable especially if identified early and with good instrumental playing habits.
- These habits if implemented, slowly over time, can prevent physical injuries as well as maximise music playing quality and ease.