Hand Therapy for Musicians by Dr. Aviva Wolff
Aviva works with individual musicians and musical groups to educate, prevent and manage performance related injuries. She uses a customized approach that is based on the player’s specific instrument and performance demands to promote healthy habits and avoid injury. She is available for individual consultations and group presentations.
I customize the treatment approach to each performer’s specific playing needs and injury.
I observe each musician while playing his or her instrument to identify the origin of the problem.
I educate on how to avoid problems with healthy practice habits and proper position. When indicated, I suggest modifications to the instrument or instrument set up with consultation of the music teacher.
A consultation includes a comprehensive review of your medical history, performance history, musculoskeletal exam, and a musculoskeletal performance assessment while playing the instrument. 360 degree video analysis is included in the assessment.
Based on the assessment, recommendations are made for injury prevention that are specific to the performer and instrument. Recommendations include instruction in general musical health habits, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, postural changes and instrument modifications as indicated.
All musicians and musician students regardless of whether they have an injury or pain while playing will benefit from a session to learn how to practice smart, stay healthy and prevent injury.
Yes, workshops for complete orchestras and bands are helpful in promoting healthy habits for the entire musical team. Workshops include onstage tips and tricks to maintain health and prevent injury.
In-person, and remote video chat consultations are cash based, but I can provide a bill to submit to insurance for out of network reimbursement.
It is common for musicians to complain of hand, forearm and arm pain. This is because the repetitive motion required for playing can lead to muscle fatigue, strain, and inflammation. Repetitive playing in an already strained muscle can lead to micro-tears in the tendon. Luckily, this can be treated and prevented with safe practice techniques and healthy habits.
There are many reasons for experiencing pain while playing. Once the problem has been identified an expert can provide specific advice, exercises, and recommendations that are specific to you as well as education in general healthy practice habits that include rest breaks, warm-up, proper pacing, and stretches.
It is very common for musicians to develop a musculoskeletal injury at any point during their career. There are many reasons for this. Sometimes, it is because of the effect of cumulative trauma and poor habits over many years. Sometimes, it is due to a change in repertoire, instrument, or playing schedule.
Injuries that affect musicians include pain while playing. These are often due to repetitive use and awkward posture and biomechanics. Common injuries include tendinopothies, nerve irritation, and hypermobile joints.
Instrumental musicians have specific playing demands that place them at risk for overuse injury. These include: rapid, complex, coordinated movements, and high repetition of movements. Some instruments and demanding repertoires also place the joints and limbs in awkward postures and may contribute to injury. The pressures of performance often lead to stress and anxiety that can further contribute to the problem.
Treatment and rehabilitation includes specific advice, exercises, and recommendations to alleviate the problems and prevent injury. A combination of manual techniques, proper biomechanical positioning, and exercises helps reduce muscle spasms, and relieve tension and tendinitis, and improve posture and position.
A structured and graded return to play program is essential following an injury to avoid a relapse or reoccurrence. Depending on the type of injury this can be fairly quick or may take a while. A graded return to play program is divided into rest and play intervals that are individually modified and adjusted to each performer’s instrument, ability, and injury. The program is designed to maximize return to the pre-injury level of performance.