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

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