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.