Protecting Your Musculoskeletal Health

Protecting Your Musculoskeletal Health

  • Musculoskeletal health is essential to your lifelong success as a musician.
  • Practicing and performing music is physically demanding.
  • Musicians are susceptible to numerous musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Some musculoskeletal disorders are related to behavior; others are genetic; still some others are the result of trauma or injury.
  • Many musculoskeletal disorders and conditions are preventable and/or treatable.
  • Sufficient physical and musical warm-up time is important.
  • Good posture and correct physical technique are essential.
  • Regular breaks during practice and rehearsal are vital in order to prevent undue physical stress and strain.
  • It is important to set a reasonable limit on the amount of time that you will practice in a day.
  • Avoid sudden increases in practice times.
  • Know your body and its limits, and avoid “overdoing it.”
  • Maintain healthy habits. Safeguard your physical and mental health.
  • Day-to-day decisions can impact your musculoskeletal health, both now and in the future. Since muscle and joint strains and a myriad of other injuries can occur in and out of school, you also need to learn more and take care of your own musculoskeletal health on a daily basis, particularly with regard to your performing medium and area of specialization.
  • If you are concerned about your personal musculoskeletal health, talk with a medical professional.
  • If you are concerned about your musculoskeletal heath in relationship to your program of study, consult the appropriate contact person at your institution.

Adapted from: Protecting Your Musculoskeletal Health: Student Information Sheet – NASM/PAMA: July 2013 DRAFT

Community Resources: Musculoskeletal Health

UNCP Student Health Services- 910-521-6219  

https://www.uncp.edu/campus-life/student-health-services

Southeastern Regional Medical Center (Lumberton, NC)- 910-671-5000

https://www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/

Other treatment possibilities include chiropractic care, Feldenkrais method, Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, massage therapy, and acupuncture.