Postural problems of the left shoulder in an orchestral trombonist

Professional musicians require a disciplined and balanced regime of practise and performance to enable them to cope with the physical challenges of their chosen instrument and to reduce the risk of work- related injury. If practise or performance strategies are suddenly changed, permanent damage may...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Work (Reading, Mass.) Mass.), 2011-01, Vol.40 (3), p.317-324
Main Authors: Price, Kevin, Watson, Alan H.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Artists
Balancing
Female
Humans
Injuries
Male
Music
Musicians & conductors
Nerve Compression Syndromes - etiology
Nerve Compression Syndromes - prevention & control
Occupational accidents
Occupational Injuries - etiology
Occupational Injuries - prevention & control
Occupational psychology
Orchestras
Physical factors
Players
Posture
Posture - physiology
Shoulder Joint - injuries
Shoulders
Strategy
Stress, Physiological - physiology
Studies
United Kingdom
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Description
Summary:Professional musicians require a disciplined and balanced regime of practise and performance to enable them to cope with the physical challenges of their chosen instrument and to reduce the risk of work- related injury. If practise or performance strategies are suddenly changed, permanent damage may occur even in a player with a mature, well-established technique. The trombone presents unique physical challenges which are heightened by recent developments in instrumental design as well as by orchestral working conditions. This study presents the experiences of a professional orchestral trombonist who worked as a principal player in a UK orchestra until his performing career was cut short by a performance related injury. His personal approach to practise is discussed in the context of the physical and professional challenges associated with contemporary orchestral practices. The case study demonstrates the importance of considering the interplay between psychological and physical factors in the development and treatment of injury in musicians.
ISSN:1051-9815
1875-9270
DOI:10.3233/WOR-2011-1238