Table of Contents

Part 1

Overview of How Injuries Can Arise

CHAPTER I

21

MY STORY

“No pain, no gain” 

CHAPTER II

25

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The prevalence of injuries among instrumental musicians

CHAPTER III

29

WHY IT MAY HURT TO PLAY

A definition of overuse

CHAPTER IV

37

THE CONDUCTOR IS IN

THE DRIVER’S SEAT

10 RISK FACTORS FOR ORCHESTRAL MUSICIANS

Risk factors and stressors particular to orchestral life

CHAPTER V

45

CAUSES OF OVERUSE INJURIES

INJURY SUSCEPTIBILITY QUIZ

10 POTENTIAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OVERUSE

CHAPTER VI

51

RISK FACTORS AND UNDERSTANDING

DANGER SIGNALS

This is your wake-up call

10 DANGER SIGNALS

 

Part 2

Explanation of Various Injuries

CHAPTER VII

 

57

STATIC LOADING,

BACK AND DISC PROBLEMS

A few suggestions for good posture

 
CHAPTER VIII

65

MUSCLE AND TENDON DISORDERS

OF THE ARMS AND SHOULDERS

Muscle tendon disorders, tendonitis of the shoulder, bursitis,

impingements, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder

10 ONSTAGE TRICKS THAT CAN BE DONE EVEN WHILE PLAYING

 

CHAPTER IX

83

NERVE ENTRAPMENTS, AND HAND

AND FOREARM PAIN

Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome,

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, reducing arm tension,

thoracic outlet syndrome, Morton’s neuroma

10 PREVENTION TIPS FOR AVOIDANCE OF NERVE ENTRAPMENTS

AND OTHER OVERUSE INJURIES

CHAPTER X

103

OTHER CONDITIONS

Raynaud’s disease, beta blockers and performance anxiety,

ganglion cysts, focal dystonia, fibromyalgia, fibrositis or

myofacial pain syndrome, TMJ, eye problems, arthritis

Part 3

Preventative and Restorative Approaches

CHAPTER XI

123

TOO MUCH, TOO SOON?

Guidelines for parents and teachers, the teacher-student

dynamic, lips, jaws, fingers, teeth, asthma, instrument size,

joint laxity, larynx

 
CHAPTER XII

137

STRETCHING AND STRENGTHENING

10 SHOWER STRETCHES

10 ONSTAGE STRETCHES

CHAPTER XIII

155

CHAIR PROBLEMS

10 LOWER BACK TENSION RELIEVERS

CHAPTER XIV

169

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Outdoor concerts and other hazards

THE MUSICIAN’S SURVIVAL TRAVEL KIT: 10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS

CHAPTER XV

171

Hearing is our Business

Musicians’ hearing loss

Tinnitus

CHAPTER XVI

185

THE WORST CASE SCENARIO (Click to read this chapter)

What to do when you’re hurt

CHAPTER XVII

191

HOW DO I START BACK?

Rehabilitation and work-hardening

CHAPTER XVIII

 195

INSTRUMENT MODIFICATIONS

Splints, slings, supports and orthotics

CHAPTER XIX

221

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

“No brain, no gain”

A guide to sensible practicing, warming-up and cooling-down

CHAPTER XX

 245

EVERYONE IS A LOBBYIST

Views for the future

Work-hardening, rotation, balancing programs, scheduling

concerts, onsite trainers

10 SUGGESTIONS FOR CONDUCTORS AND MANAGERS

Part 4

Further Help is Available

Further Help is Available

 

RESOURCE LIST    253

Books in print, organizations, websites, videos, products,

clinics and practitioners

INDEX of instruments           293

INDEX of Images     295

ORDER FORM        299