Performing arts medicine - Instrumentalist musicians: Part III - Case histories

In parts I and II of this article series, the basic principles of examining musicians in a healthcare setting were reviewed [Dommerholt, J. Performing arts medicine - instrument alist musicians: part I: general considerations. J. Bodyw. Mov. Ther., in press-a; Dommerholt, J. Performing arts medicine - instrumentalist musicians: part II: the examination. J. Bodyw. Mov. Ther., in press-b]. Part III describes three case reports of musicians with hand pain, interfering with their ability to play their instruments. The musicians consulted with a performing arts physiotherapist. Neither musician had a correct medical diagnosis if at all, when they first contacted the physiotherapist. Each musician required an individualized approach not only to establish the correct diagnosis, but also to develop a specific treatment program. The treatment programs included ergonomic interventions, manual therapy, trigger point therapy, and patient education. All musicians returned to playing their instruments without any residual pain or dysfunction. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.