Common Injuries in Woodwind Musicians:
An overview by a specialist osteopath in performing arts
Although musicians may not always view themselves as such they possess the qualities of high-performance athletes. The level of dedication, physical exertion, and mental strain required in professional musical performance and high-performance sports are strikingly similar. Achieving excellence in playing an instrument or excelling in a specific sport requires substantial time, unwavering commitment, and consistent effort. Musicians will be required to focus on refined motor skills, involving short, precise movements performed primarily with the extremities of the limbs, while larger muscle groups play a crucial role in maintaining posture during instrumental performances. Therefore, similarly to athletes, musicians frequently encounter performance-related injuries which may differ based on the specific instruments they play. In this blog we will look at specific injuries commonly seen but not limited to woodwind players.
Frequently Encountered Injuries among Woodwind Musicians:
Repetitive strain injuries: Due to the repetitive activities involved in playing a musical instrument, musicians often experience Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs). These injuries commonly manifest as tendinopathies, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis in the hands, wrist, or fingers. The consistent use and strain placed on these areas make musicians susceptible to these conditions.
Embouchure-related injuries: Embouchure includes the mouth, lips, jaw, and facial muscles, which are crucial to the positioning on the mouthpiece of a wind instrument. Woodwind players face a heightened risk of injury linked to these, especially if they struggle with poor technique, insufficient rest, and challenging musical pieces. Consequently, they may experience muscle strain, fatigue, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Neck and Back pain: Woodwind players often struggle with neck and back pain due to the weight of their instrument and the need to maintain a specific playing position. Whether they are sitting or standing, they may find it challenging to maintain proper posture while carrying their instrument for long periods of time. As a result, the prolonged strain on their bodies can lead to discomfort and pain.
Respiratory issues: Woodwind players heavily depend on their respiratory system to produce sound. When facing complex repertoire or a lack of strengthening and conditioning, musicians may employ frequent and forceful blowing. Which in turn raises the likelihood of respiratory problems, including bronchitis and asthma. It may also strain their vocal cords. Hence, it is crucial for woodwind players to prioritise their respiratory health and engage in appropriate strengthening and conditioning exercises to minimise these risks.
How to limit the risk of these injuries:
Warming up and cooling down after every practice session or performance. It is important to incorporate both full-body warm-ups and instrument-specific warm-ups such as technical exercises.
Proper set-up and maintaining good technique: Is your instrument setup optimal? Is there anything such as a strap, carrier or stand that you can use to reduce the load put on your body? Are you keeping your joints in mid-range? Are you in a tense fixed position? Poor posture leads to muscle imbalances and tension, therefore increasing the risk of injury. Be mindful of body alignment, and adjust chair/instrument height to reduce muscle & joint strain.
Taking regular breaks when rehearsing or performing is essential for preventing muscular and mental fatigue and it allows time to reflect on necessary adjustments that may be needed to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
Listening to your body is of utmost importance for musicians in order to reduce the risk of injury. It is crucial to recognize and address any discomfort or pain as ignoring or pushing through them can lead to more serious injuries. It is also important to identify signs of fatigue and overuse as pushing yourself too hard without adequate rest can lead to overuse injuries.
Strengthening exercises: Playing a musical instrument for extended periods of time can place significant strain on the body. Whether rehearsing or performing, musicians must support the weight of the instrument for prolonged durations. Depending on the instrument, the musician will need to maintain an asymmetrical posture for extended periods, which can potentially result in muscular imbalances.
Similarly to athletes, musicians are at high risk of injuries which may vary depending on the instruments. In order for woodwind players to minimise these risks it is important for them to prioritise: good technique, warm-up and cool-down exercises, regular breaks during rehearsals or performances, and maintaining overall good physical health and strengthen areas of their bodies which may be put under strain while playing.
Seeking advice from a medical professional specialised in musicians' health such as a specialist osteopath in performing arts, can provide valuable insights. They can help you identify any potential issues that may predispose you to injuries and provide personalised advice and guidance for optimal recovery.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you have any questions for our specialist osteopath in performing arts about osteopathy or performing arts injuries, please contact us. You can find us just a few minutes walk from Clapham Common station. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
References:
Gallego, C., Concepción, C., Ros, R., Laura, Sanchis, R. and Martín, J. (2019). The physical training for musicians. Systematic review. Sports Science Journal, [online] 5(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2019.5.3.5536.
Stanhope, J., Milanese, S. and Grimmer, K. (2014). University woodwind students’ experiences with playing-related injuries and their management: a pilot study. Journal of Pain Research, p.133. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/jpr.s49620.
Yang, N., Fufa, D.T. and Wolff, A.L. (2021). A musician-centered approach to management of performance-related upper musculoskeletal injuries. Journal of Hand Therapy, 34(2), pp.208–216. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2021.04.006.
