Performing Artists Clinic
The demands of musical practice and performance can lead to pain as well as dexterity problems. Injuries related or unrelated to playing can interfere with a musician’s ability to play his or her instrument or resume a desired musical lifestyle without pain. Medications and brief rest are often not enough to resolve the problem.
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute® rehabilitation professionals recognize the importance of specialized
medical services for instrumental artists. The goals of the clinic are making an early, accurate diagnosis,
defining a treatment plan and preventing future injury.
Evaluation
An initial examination is performed by a physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine (a physiatrist) with expertise in neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions, overuse or repetitive motion injuries and posture-related problems.
The musician is examined both with and without his or her instrument. A complete performance history is obtained, including practice and performance schedules, body position and playing techniques. Other medical specialists, including orthopaedic surgeons and neurologists, who are aware of music-making, may also participate in the assessment.
Treatment
Physical and occupational therapy services are prescribed as needed, primarily through Sister Kenny Hand Therapy. Therapists are experienced with specific occupational and instrument demands and problems encountered by musicians. Services include, but are not limited to:
- biofeedback, myofascial release, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization and therapeutic exercise
- fabrication of devices to help support and reposition the instrument
- specialized rehabilitation of hand injuries, including splinting to stabilize joints, if needed
- consultation/lessons jointly with physician and professional musician
- therapies include incorporating instrument use, often with biofeedback and video analysis
- development of graduated warm-up, exercise and practice schedules to allow safe resumption of reasonable playing demands
- education covering problem-solving, practice and playing techniques to prevent reinjury and future problems
Other services include:
- social services
- behavioral medicine (performance anxiety)
- pool therapy
- vocational services
- nutritional counseling
- integrative medicine (massage, acupuncture, guided imagery)
- speech therapy specializing in vocal disorders
Technical advice is available through consultation with Janet Horvath, associate principal cellist of the Minnesota Orchestra, and other community musicians.
Physician services are primarily provided by physiatrist Jennine Speier, MD, director of the Performing Artists Clinc, and other physicians of Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Associates, as appropriate.
Musicians are encouraged to bring their instrument with them for the initial evaluation and treatment sessions. Videotapes of the musician during performance are also useful.
Location
The Performing Artists Clinic is located on the first floor of the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, on the campus of Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis.
For More Information
For more information, contact the Performing Artists Clinic at 612-863-4495.
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