Can Chiropractic Care Help Musicians?
By Paul Rothbart
Whether you're a professional or an amateur, playing music is a creative pastime that is plenty of fun. Any instrument, any style can be a great hobby that is good for keeping the brain engaged and sharp. Playing music may seem like an activity that has very little physical stress. You stand or sit and play. What's the harm? In truth, there are repetitive strain injuries and other stresses on the body that are common for musicians. Seeing a chiropractor regularly can be helpful.
Body Parts Affected
Playing most instruments well involves the coordinated manipulation of keys, valves, or strings. This can place a strain on the hands, fingers, and wrists. The right elbow and shoulder of a trombone player get quite a workout. Standing or sitting up straight while reading music off a stand can strain the neck.
Piano players have many of the same issues as people who sit in front of a computer.
Then there are the weight of instruments. As a saxophone player, my horn is attached to a strap around my neck. That can cause strain. For the larger saxophones, such as the baritone, the stress can be considerable. Playing can eventually even strain the back, causing subluxations that can be painful and exacerbate the situation.
Posture
No matter what instrument you play, good posture is vital. It can help minimize injury due to stress. Posture is also essential to playing well. The fingers respond more quickly when your torso is straight and your shoulders are back and relaxed. For wind players, posture is especially important. Slumping compresses the chest cavity. The lungs only fill partially, reducing the amount of air available. A beautiful, in-tune, and controlled tone requires sufficient air. One of the first things any good music teacher imparts to a beginning student is the importance of good posture.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Seeing a chiropractor regularly may be one of the best things a dedicated musician can do. Any subluxations can be found and adjusted, thus relieving the strain and pain experienced. Chiropractic care can help the spine and neck as well as the joints. This would include the fingers, wrists, and shoulders. With its holistic approach, chiropractic care can help the entire body feel and function better. This can help you to play your best. A chiropractor can also help with posture. A properly adjusted spine can be easier to maintain in a proper position. You may find that you can hold your posture longer. This can certainly help you play better with plenty of air support and stamina.
Playing music is a great way to spend your free time. Playing can place a strain on the body, causing pain and making it harder to play well. Consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment is necessary. You may find that regular chiropractic care keeps you feeling good and making beautiful music.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gainesville, Ga.