From Crescendo to “Rest”: The Symphony of Sports Massage for Musicians

Sports Massage is not just for athletes. Musicians can benefit from it, too! Sports Massage tailored towards musicians can reduce the effects of the physical demands placed on their body due to strain and fatigue from repetitive movements and postural stress resulting from extended practice hours. Sports massage as a therapeutic modality is adept at mitigating these issues by enhancing blood circulation, alleviating muscle tension, and assisting with flexibility.

Understanding The Symphony of Physical Demands on a Musician

In a musician’s life, every note, rhythm, and performance demands not only artistic proficiency but also physical resilience. Repetitive movements, long practice hours, and the stress of performance can take a toll on a musician’s physique. That’s where a sports massage comes in to reduce this strain and elevate musical performance. Though traditionally associated with athletes, sports massage can be tailored to the distinctive physical demands of a musician, whether they are a music student⁴, a seasoned professional, or an enthusiastic amateur.

Playing a musical instrument transcends mere artistry; it is a physical exertion. Analogous to athletes, musicians employ their bodies to craft something beautiful. Repetitive actions, holding a fixed and awkward posture for long hours, and the stress of performances can strain a musician’s body. Stress and anxiety are also prevalent as musicians strive for perfection in their artistry and navigate performances before audiences.

The Healing Harmony of a Sports Massage

Sports massage is a form of therapy that focuses on the areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements. It can help to relieve pain, prevent injuries, and improve performance.

While sports massage is conventionally aligned with those embracing an active lifestyle, its benefits extend beyond fitness enthusiasts and professional sports players. Much like athletes, musicians stand to gain significantly from sports massage. The repetitive motions integral to playing an instrument can induce strains and injuries comparable to those faced by athletes. Sports massage comes to the rescue by alleviating pain, preventing injuries, and enhancing performance by increasing blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing flexibility. This can ultimately contribute to superior performance, diminished pain, and a reduced risk of injury.

Numerous musicians attest to the efficacy of sports massage, with examples such as professional pianists, drummers, and string players finding relief from hand, and wrist tension and back tension caused by prolonged sessions^1,2,5,6. These instances underscore how sports massage can empower musicians to deliver their best performances.

Sports massage can bring relief from muscle fatigue, a common woe resulting from the repetitive actions inherent in playing musical instruments. By promoting blood flow and eliminating lactic acid, which induces muscle soreness, sports massage not only relieves fatigue but also aids in injury prevention. Beyond physical benefits, sports massage contributes to stress reduction and performance enhancement, fostering a relaxed state conducive to better focus and confidence.

The Crescendo of Care: How it Orchestrates

Abhi Durge, the Registered Massage Therapist at Toronto Massage Therapy recognizes the nuanced care musicians require, distinct but akin to that provided to athletes. He offers fully customized, tailored massages designed to optimize individual performance.

Like in any other massage therapy appointment, a typical sports massage session starts with a consultation during which the therapist looks into the client’s health history and musical practice specifics. The massage itself targets areas most affected by the musical practice, be it arms, legs, hands, shoulders, neck, or back, by employing diverse techniques to alleviate tension, improve circulation, and stimulate healing³. Effective communication with the therapist is paramount for optimizing the benefits of sports massage. Clarifying personal goals from the treatments, providing insights into specific issues, and offering feedback during the session ensure a tailored approach.

The frequency of sports massage hinges on individual needs and schedules, with many musicians finding monthly or bi-monthly sessions beneficial in preventing and addressing physical issues¹. Intensive practice or performance periods may necessitate more frequent sessions, a practice embraced by full-time performers and students to maintain peak physical condition.

The Finale of Wellbeing – Tuning Into Sports Massage

Health professionals advocate for sports massage among musicians, recognizing its merit in addressing the unique challenges posed by musicianship. By mitigating muscle tension, reducing repetitive strain injuries, and promoting relaxation, sports massage becomes an invaluable tool for musicians to sustain health and optimize performance.

With the stage set for a harmonious blend of music and well-being, musicians can take charge of their physical health by integrating sports massage into their regular self-care regimen and keep playing at their best.

References

1. Cygańska A, Truszczyńska-Baszak A, Tomaszewski P. Impact of Exercises and Chair Massage on Musculoskeletal Pain of Young Musicians. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 16;17(14):5128. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17145128. PMID: 32708600; PMCID: PMC7400366.

2. Wolff AL, Ling DI, Casey EK, Toresdahl BG, Gellhorn AC. Feasibility and impact of musculoskeletal health for musicians (MHM) program for musician students: A randomized controlled pilot study. J Hand Ther. 2021 Apr-Jun;34(2):159-165. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2021.04.001. Epub 2021 Apr 15. PMID: 34011470.

3. Foxman I, Burgel BJ. Musician health and safety: Preventing playing-related musculoskeletal disorders. AAOHN J. 2006 Jul;54(7):309-16. doi: 10.1177/216507990605400703. PMID: 16862878.

4. Kok LM, Groenewegen KA, Huisstede BMA, Nelissen RGHH, Rietveld ABM, Haitjema S. The high prevalence of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) and its associated factors in amateur musicians playing in student orchestras: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One. 2018 Feb 14;13(2):e0191772. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191772. PMID: 29444093; PMCID: PMC5812604.

5. Portnoy S, Cohen S, Ratzon NZ. Correlations between body postures and musculoskeletal pain in guitar players. PLoS One. 2022 Jan 4;17(1):e0262207. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262207. PMID: 34982777; PMCID: PMC8726467.

6. Kaufman-Cohen Y, Portnoy S, Sopher R, Mashiach L, Baruch-Halaf L, Ratzon NZ. The correlation between upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and joint kinematics, playing habits and hand span during playing among piano students. PLoS One. 2018 Dec 19;13(12):e0208788. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208788. PMID: 30566535; PMCID: PMC6300245.