The Athletic Musician is an innovative approach that teaches musicians how to prevent and manage injuries, presented in a unique format that combines sound medical protocol with a musician's point of view. Harrison, a musician, discusses the magnitude of the problem of musicians' injuries with reference to statistical surveys and discusses the emotional and psychological impact of injury on the individual musician. Paull, an orthopedic physiotherapist describes, in layman's terms, the athletic approach to a musician's injuries. Each commonly injured area is examined in turn, from neck, back and shoulder pain to arm, wrist and hand problems. For each area, the anatomy is described, followed by an explanation of what causes the injury and how to avoid or prevent the injury from occurring.Musicians should regard themselves as elite "musical athletes" and protect themselves from injury by following athletic training protocols. The authors present appropriate stretching regimes and postural corrections for both on and off stage, as well as ergonomic changes to instrument and playing positions. The text is amply illustrated with sketches for every exercise and stretch, photographs of musicians demonstrating playing postures, and unique anatomical drawings of musicians.The Athletic Musician presents research-based, scientific material in a format that is relevant, clear, and practical for all musicians. The combination of a medical and musical perspectives makes it an indispensable guide for all musicians and the health care professionals who aspire to help them.
Barbara Paull is a British-trained Registered Physiotherapist who has concentrated on orthopedic physiotherapy in many different clinical settings over 30 years and currently works as consultant, clinician, and lecturer.Christine Harrison is a freelance violinist working in Toronto, Canada. She has performed with various symphonic, chamber, and theatre groups, including work with the Canadian Opera Company and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Table of Contents
Part 1 List of Illustrations Part 2 Foreword Part 3 Preface Part 4 Acknowedgments Part 5 I: The Problem Part 6 Introduction Chapter 7 1. The Psychology of Musician's Injuries Chapter 8 2. A Physiotherapist's Opinion Chapter 9 3. The Musician's Tale Chapter 10 4. An Introduction to Physiotherapy Part 11 II: Anatomy and Applied Anatomy for Musicians Chapter 12 5. Anatomy for Musicians Chapter 13 6. Taking Care of Your Back and Neck Chapter 14 7. The Shoulder Chapter 15 8. The Arm, Wrist, and Hand Chapter 16 III: The Musician as Athlete Chapter 17 9. Playing Ergonomics Chapter 18 10. Exercise Protocols for the Musical Athlete Chapter 19 11. Practicing as an Athletic Musician Chapter 20 12. Working as an Athletic Musician Chapter 21 13. The Work Environment Chapter 22 14. If You Are Injured Chapter 23 15. Stouffville Musicians' Physiotherapy Guide Part 24 Glossary of Terms Part 25 Appendix Part 26 References Part 27 About the Authors
What People are Saying About This
Pat Reid
The Athletic Musician is on its way to becoming a required handbook for teachers and performers of music in New Zealand. Since introducing it to many groups here, I've had unfailingly enthusiastic reports...The combination of sound technical information and a cheerful, positive approach by both authors make it an important contribution to the on-going education of musicians as well as other performing artists.
Robert Skelton
This is a book that could save careers! Paull and Harrison have pooled their in-depth knowledge and experience to publish a text invaluable to musicians everywhere. And unlike other volumes on the subject, it's a refreshingly easy - at times even hilarious - read! A must for all musicians' libraries!
David Young
This is probably the best book of its type. A superb guide to injury prevention for all practical musicians.
Senza Sordino
...a well-written book which offers sound advice...very easy-to-understand primer in body mechanics and anatomy...includes a thoughtful discussion of the psychology of dealing with a playing injury...an excellent resource for developing a safe and sound physical approach to playing...
Skye Carman
This book can literally save your musical career! Now one can understand where pain comes from and why, but most importantly, one can learn how to get rid of it, or better yet, never get it in the first place! Completely indispensable for every musician and teacher.
