Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES • SUMMER 2017 • sai-national.org 20 as their approach to the instrument will assuredly need to be adjusted as the body grows. Common changes in technique include these postural considerations and body mechanics but even adhering to instrument-specific rules (such as chromatic vs. major scale fingerings) to avoid unnecessary tension can be vitally important to long-term health. Norris' Overuse Factor #5 - Change in instrument e enthusiasm of new equipment will oen generate a sudden increase in practice time which can trigger overuse. Additionally, new instruments oen have stiff mechanisms or misaligned keys. If the new instrument also requires a shi in movement habits or required technique, it could fatigue muscles more quickly than the familiar instrument. is is true when changing either size of instrument (i.e. flute to piccolo), or type of instrument (i.e. clarinet to saxophone). ese musicians should initially shorten the practice session as well as decrease the number of overall sessions and increase incrementally. Norris' Overuse Factor #6 - Inadequate rehabilitation of previous injuries Musicians who have experienced injury or trauma away from the instrument have increased risk of performance-related injury. Pain, limited mobility, avoidance of motion, and/or failure to rehabilitate all have potential to increase risk of injury at a secondary location since muscles that are tight or weak are at greater risk than strong and flexible muscles. Seek medical help for the treatment of every injury and be watchful for new symptoms when practicing or performing. Norris' Overuse Factor #7 - Improper body mechanics and posture Maintaining an unnatural posture for hours on end can wreak havoc on the tissues of the body (Paull, xi). Postural education for musicians should include proper seating and standing, proper body mechanics and motion, and ergonomic support of the instrument. Good posture and body awareness should allow the performer to play with less stress on the body in turn helping him to free up his breathing. A relaxed state is optimal and motion while playing is advantageous so musicians should move from a seated position to standing or walking frequently. Popular types of body mechanics training for performance technique, for injury prevention, and during injury recovery include Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Hellerwork, Trager, Eutony, Biofeedback, Body Mapping, and motion analysis. Many professionals are developing modifications to help us with technical ease at our instruments and the term "ergonomics" refers to the study of suiting the tool to the body in order to affect safety and ease of performing any activity (Horvath, 155). Musicians should also evaluate the arrangement of the musical space to determine if it works with proper body mechanics. is includes sitting or standing arrangements, the placement of a music stand, the placement of multiple instruments (typically in a pit environment), and the amount of space to move around in. Norris' Overuse Factor #8 - Stressful nonmusical activities Physical Stress In general, musicians who are under great physical stress are at increased risk of injury and should be watchful of all prevention to off-set this factor. ese stresses could be caused by a number of activities including sports or work requirements. Adapting a practice schedule to have shorter sessions and more frequent breaks is a good start to combating this problem, but musicians can also work to ensure that they have proper body mechanics and posture when performing other responsibilities. Stress and Anxiety Musicians who report high stress levels and/or anxiety have an increased risk of injury. One possible cause is that musicians tend to over practice when performance anxiety rages (Klickstein, 233). is makes it critically important for parents and teachers to address these concerns and coping mechanisms as well as provide clear practice guidelines from a young age. Overall health can be a contributing factor for musicians with high stress or anxiety making it critical for musicians to focus on wellness, nutrition, and sleep patterns. Adrenal fatigue is common for persons of high stress and making dietary changes for adrenal health may prove helpful. Massage has also been shown to provide positive effects on anxiety (Weerapong, 243). Norris' Overuse Factor #9 - Anatomical variations A number of different anatomical variations can contribute to musician injury, from irregular or missing digits to hyper-mobile joints to crossed nerves. It is important for musicians to have good healthcare providers and specialists. Musicians with anatomical variations should be presented with preventative measures early in their musical training. For example, co-author of the Textbook of Performing Arts Medicine, Alice Brandfonbrener states that, "If the joint against which pressure is exerted is unstable, the musician compensates, usually unconsciously, by applying greater than normal effort to stabilize the joint," thus creating opportunity for greater risk of overuse (368). She proposes that therapeutic approaches should be directed toward strengthening the muscles. Specialists can also assist in determining if temporary or long-term splinting could be a useful preventative. Norris' Overuse Factor #10 – Gender Females are at an increased risk of injury throughout the life of a typical musician. Although medical providers don't have exact causes there are many suspected contributors. Women face more frequent and more dramatic changes to their bodies. Fluid retention, for example, can contribute to overuse-syndrome and unfortunately, women are at a higher risk (as do persons with kidney or heart conditions and those taking steroids). Women who become pregnant are also at greater risk of injury. Due to fluid retention, hormone changes, and swelling, the body is more susceptible to variety of injuries including tendinitis and nerve entrapment issues (such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). Pregnant musicians should work in cooperation with their healthcare providers to develop good practice and performance habits. Norris' Overuse Factor #11 - Quality of instrument An instrument needs to be kept in good MUSICAL HEALTH "Three qualities are essential in a professional musician… the first is good health and the other two are the same." Mark Hambourg, pianist

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