Performing Arts Dramas…

We’re used to sportspeople getting injured and physios dashing onto the pitch, but could playing an instrument, singing or dancing, be dangerous occupations?!

Jenny Davys, Osteopath and Vocal Health First Aider at Shoreham Osteopathy Centre looks at potential problems and ways to help.

Acute sprain/strain

Dancers and actors often jump, leap, twist, and turn – sometimes musicians do too! However well-trained and rehearsed, there are times when a movement is ill-judged or mistimed, or not choreographed sensibly, resulting in muscle, tendon, ligament, or joint injury, which may require treatment.

Overuse Injuries

Symptoms of repetitive strain might include tingling and numbness or deep aching and even loss of power in the arms and wrists. “Tennis” and “golfer’s elbow” might as well be called “cellist” and “pianist’s elbow” as they all come from the overuse of muscles that move the fingers and wrist. Another common injury is carpal tunnel syndrome in drummers. All these can be helped with treatment and exercise.

Acid Reflux

Heartburn may happen for several reasons, including overcontraction of the diaphragm so it sometimes affects brass or wind instrument players. Some singers have “silent” reflux (LPR or larygo-pharangeal reflux) where there is no pain, but voice changes, a sensation of a lump in their throat, or even loss of notes, as stomach acid makes the cords so brittle and inflamed that they cannot vibrate effectively. It’s important to get this treated.

Stress

Performers often suffer from performance anxiety (“stage fright”) – and any injury or pain can just add to this and increases the likelihood that performance will be affected. Stress management, counselling/CBT/psychology can be useful.

Posture?

ANY position of the body for prolonged periods may cause strain, so it’s important to know how to release tension, and how to prepare the body well for and recover from performance. There is no one “best” posture, the body should be ready to adapt! Manual therapy such as osteopathy, myofascial release/massage, Alexander Technique, and Feldenkrais may all help.

Seeking Help

Performers are often slow at seeking help for their pain, worried that their peers, teachers, or directors will think they have poor technique or are not “good enough”. These days, thankfully, attitudes are changing. BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) is a great resource as are the charities Help Musicians and One Dance UK.

Whether you perform for a living or for fun, our caring team at Shoreham Osteopathy Centre may be able to help: 01273 567654 info@ shorehamosteo.co.uk www.shorehamosteo. co.uk