Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Renee Mabey

Keywords

Hand Injuries; Music; Occupational Diseases

Abstract

Musicians spend a great amount of energy and time preparing for auditions, competitions, performances, and recitals. The process of developing techniques and learning musical pieces requires practice sessions filled with long hours of repeating musical passages and awkward upper extremity positions. Performance related injuries often result from these conditions. Injuries include joint disorders, musculotendinous disorders, muscle cramps and pain disorders, neurological disorders, and focal dystonia or occupational palsy disorders. Pain, numbness, tingling, muscle cramping, and motor dysfunctions are associated symptoms. If symptoms are ignored and intense performance is continued, the musician can experience tissue damage and permanent loss of function.

Research has indicated that the hand, the wrist, and the fingers are the areas of the body where performance related injuries are most frequent. This literature review will focus on the common hand injuries experienced by musicians. Common types of injuries, evaluation procedures, treatments, and prevention techniques specific to the needs of musicians will be discussed.

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