We recently shared an article regarding the benefits of physical therapy for musicians of all types. After putting that resource together, we couldn’t help but do a follow-up on behalf of drummers. They (you) undertake a full body workout upon each and every performance. At times, these performances are outright aggressive and can be more taxing on the body than a number of activities and sports. Think we’re exaggerating? Watch the finale scene of Whiplash for validation:
How Physiotherapy Can Help Professional Drummers Improve Performance While Preventing and Treating Common Injuries
Achilles Tendonitis
Most people think of RSIs to the hands, wrists, and elbows when they consider drumming. However, performers also use their feet when putting pedal to the metal (err…polyester or mylar) to pound the bass drum. This is why physiotherapists often uncover achilles tendonitis when conducting a musculoskeletal assessment of drummer clients and patients. Physiotherapists will generally prescribe a regime that includes soft tissue work in the foot and ankle area in addition to laser therapy and acupuncture therapy among other possible services.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very common condition in drummers. This RSI causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm and can sideline a drummer’s career if not addressed with ongoing physiotherapy. While there are a number of treatments available, petrissage massage is effective in treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Hand Tendinitis
Hand tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon that is commonly seen in the fingers and hands of drummers. Physical therapy treatments include manual therapy, range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and even acupuncture and dry needling.
Wrist Tendinitis
Wrist tendonitis (or tenosynovitis) is inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the hand bones, and is extremely evident in drummers. Like with hand tendinitis, physical therapy treatments include manual therapy, acupuncture and dry needling, range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises.
Elbow Tendinitis
Elbow tendinitis (or tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis) is equally common in drummers. It is symptomized by inflammation of the connective tissue that fastens the muscles in the forearm to the elbow. Like with hand and wrist tendinitis, physical therapy treatments include manual therapy, acupuncture and dry needling, range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises. A physiotherapist may also use modalities such as laser, ultrasound and interferential current and will design an appropriate home (and studio) exercise program specifically focused on eccentric exercise of the wrist extensors.
Lower Back Pain
Hitting the skins day in and out not only takes a toll on the ankles, hands, wrists, and elbows, it taxes the lower back too. It can be hard to maintain a proper seated posture when banging out an intense solo. In addition to offering chiropractic treatments, a full-service physiotherapist will assist in establishing optimal posture to account for ever-changing movements during a performance. Further, they will prescribe a regime of stretches, movements, and exercises for warm-up, breaks between sets, and cool-down. View more on lower back pain therapy.
Remember, regular physiotherapy is effective not just in treating the above RSIs and corresponding chronic pain. Ongoing physical therapy will also help prevent them from occurring and reoccurring in the first place. Make physiotherapy a part of your health and wellness regime today. If located in the Greater Vancouver BC area be sure to schedule a consultation at our Burnaby BC clinic prior to your next performance.
PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR DRUMMERS IN BURNABY AND GREATER VANCOUVER BC:
CALL: 604.558.2273
EMAIL: in**@ab****************.com