To play and perform means keeping yourself healthy and safe. Whether you're transporting a heavy instrument, holding a lighter instrument in the same manner for an extended period, or engaged in a repetitive action, playing music can impact your body. Check out the following information to keep yourself going strong for the long haul.
Make it a habit to follow these steps when lifting anything--even a relatively light object--and you'll be in good shape for your next performance.
The neuromusculoskeletal system is the complete system of muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and associated nerves and tissues that allow us to move, speak, and sing. This system also supports our body's structure.
The "neuro" part of the term "neuromusculoskeletal" refers to the nervous system that coordinates how our bodies move and operate. The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and hundreds of billions of nerves that transmit information from the brain to the body and back in an endless cycle.
Our nervous systems allow us to move, sense, and act in conscious and unconscious ways. Without these structures, we could not listen to, enjoy, sing, or play music. Making changes in our approach to movement, particularly to the complex movements needed for the performance of music, means working closely with our nervous system so we can replace any automatic, unconscious, or poor habits with healthy, constructive, and coordinated movement choices.
Gain information about the body that will help you move according to the body's design and structure. The parts of the human body most relevant to movement are the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems. Muscles move our bones at joints. Our bony structure is responsible for weight delivery and contributes to the support we need to move easily and efficiently. Nothing is inherent in our bodies' design or are instruments that should cause discomfort, pain, or injury.
Learn how to avoid the behaviors or situations that put your neuromusculoskeletal health at risk.
*Note: This information has been adapted from the NASM-PAMA documents on Musicians' Health and Safety.
Additional info on musculoskeletal health