Ask the Doctor: Musicians and Hand/Wrist Injuries

I get to work with a huge population of
musicians here at Sweetwater; some are hobbyists like me, but many are
professional performers. With so many instrumentalists coming to see me, I
treat a lot of symptoms involving the hand and wrist. Soft-tissue injuries from
playing an instrument are sometimes multifactorial, but there are some general
concepts that are important to consider when trying to identify the causes if
you develop hand and/or wrist problems.

Has Anything Changed?

First, think about any recent changes. As
a bass player, I find that using a different bass from my collection will
sometimes cause some discomfort, especially if I’m not careful to adjust my
technique proactively. Is your hand positioning compromised on your synth
because you got a new stand and the height changed? Is your guitar positioned
differently because you changed the strap length? Did you change how much
pressure you’re applying with your fret hand because of a string or setup
change? Is your drum kit set up a bit differently after you took it to that
last gig? Did you change your chair or posture? Was there overuse during
another activity that contributed? Sorting out these things can be complex, but
a little diligence can perhaps reveal a simple solution.

Evaluate Your Technique

Second, evaluate your technique. If
nothing’s changed that you can identify, then it might be worth seeking an
evaluation by a physical therapist specifically trained in kinematics or,
better yet, skilled in treating injuries specific to the performing arts.

If these efforts fail, then seeing a
physician becomes critical. Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, tendinitis,
tenosynovitis, trigger finger, and arthritis are just a few of the more common
sources of hand and wrist pain for instrumentalists. Taking anti-inflammatories
should help, but, in the bigger picture, they’ll only cover up the symptoms
temporarily and won’t solve the underlying cause. Be proactive and get
evaluated early; persisting symptoms are more stubborn to treat.

Playing through pain is no fun, so be
sure to take the symptoms seriously. Don’t put off getting evaluated, and be
sure you are seeing someone qualified to address your problem correctly so that
you can get back to playing quickly!

PRO TIPFind a doctor with specific training in the field of performing arts medicine before you entrust your injury to them as even surgical solutions have specific nuances particular to musicians depending on what instrument they play.
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