Customer Reviews

Performing Arts Medicine

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Before Repetitive Strain Injuries became well-known to the world through the widespread use of the computer keyboard, musicians were suffering from them. I had persistent tendonitis for several years, and this book was the best resource I ever found--once I did, I knew things my doctor didn't know! Although I am writing this review as a guitarist, this book addresses the overuse injuries that afflict all instrumentalists, singers, and dancers, and even includes a chapter on the "Psychological Aspects of the Development of Exceptional Young Performers and Prodigies."

...I recommend you try a good library. There's no way I could do justice to the wealth of information in this book (half of which, it's true, will probably be useless to any given reader--I skipped the chapter on "Foot and Ankle in Dance"), but let me distill a few simple tips (mainly for guitarists like me) until you can track down a copy. Injuries to guitarists (and string players) are often caused by playing with the wrists too bent. Guitarists should find guitars with small bodies--I recommend an Ovation with a shallow bowl. (Violinists and violists can find violins or violas with cutaways similar to those on some acoustic guitars.) Light gauge strings, a low action, and a neck that's not too wide at the nut are preferable. Straps should be wide and well-padded to best distribute the weight of the guitar. Picks can be wrapped in tape (the edge you hold only) to make them easier to hold without changing their sound.

All musicians should try limiting their caffeine (as my OT told me) and their sugar (as my masseuse told me). You should ABSOLUTELY call a doctor (probably a hand specialist, depending on your problem) to evaluate you--it can be very frustrating to try to get over the sorts of mysterious pains you will feel on your own.

As one who was driven to buy it by desperation, I can tell you that it is the Bible of its subject, and consulting a copy will reward you richly.