Musicians

Musicians have an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to the repetitive unidirectional motions used to play their instruments. When this syndrome develops in a musician, they must modify their practice and performance routines so that they can decrease their pain while still doing what they love to do most, play. All musicians must have precise dexterity and responsiveness in the fingers and wrist in order to play an instrument. Pianist must quickly mover their fingers across the keys, woodwind players must quickly maneuver their fingers to hit the correct keys on their instruments and violinists and cellists must manipulate their bows.

Carpal tunnel strikes without warning making it a musician’s nightmare. Crippling pain could occur in the middle of a performance making it extremely painful and even possible to continue playing. The first line solution is rest but many musicians refuse to stop playing especially if they are a professional performer and make a living off of their music. They simply cannot afford to stop playing.

Just as athletes do, it is important to warm up before playing. Specific hand, wrist, finger and elbow exercises can help decrease the chances of developing this syndrome. Evaluating the technique of how a musician plays is also important. Many musicians are taught the improper technique of how to play their instrument leading to strenuous work on their nerves. Constant tension and repetitive motion does not allow the body to flush away metabolic waste products so it is important to take breaks and relax while playing. In the middle of playing a piece it is important to sometimes take a break and restore circulation in the hand or arm. Over training can actually decrease performance, so playing for hours at a time may increase skill but also increase the chance of developing carpal tunnel. 

                                       Wrist exercises suggested before and after playing.