Warming up vocal cords is something that almost all singers do. However, often forgotten is stretching and preparation of ribs, intercostals, upper back, accessory breathing muscles, shoulders, neck, spine, jaw, face and more. These are often forgotten due to time constraints, or the singer not viewing themselves as an athlete, and only an artist. Proper cool down after stress with a rehearsal or a performance is necessary immediately after, before leaving the dressing room, to ensure a decrease in day-after tightness and/or soreness.

Each instrument comes with three specific challenges: the posture that it demands you to be in to play properly, the motion that is required of your fingers, hands, arms, shoulders and spine, and the weight of the instrument itself and the stress that places on the core/spine. Often, these are forgotten. Conditioning for the performer is as important as it is for the athlete. Anticipating that a trumpet player may have sore shoulders from holding his/her arms out front, or that a violinist may suffer from a sore neck, or that a pianist may have tendon irritation in their fingers will make their careers inevitably more successful. Medical professionals should possess performing-arts specific knowledge, the ability to assess the patient while playing, and know trends in injuries specific to the instrument at hand. Understanding of practice schedule, other physical demands (being a student, work, parenting, etc.), and warm-up/cool-down routine will help to create the best rehabilitation and future injury avoidance plan.

Coming soon…In the section, as a Member, you will be able to access step-by-step protocols for full-body injuries, per joint, per diagnosis, of a guide to physical therapy/manual treatment, exercise, in-gym ramp-up programs, protocols and more!