- The fret hand wrapping around the neck is held in extreme wrist flexion for extended periods of time with little to no wrist extension.
- Some chords/fingerings utilize finger flexion to a much higher degree than finger extension.
- Using a pick involves extensive thumb and index finger opposition (holding the pick)
- The guitar may be suspended over one shoulder
- The weight of the guitar is in front of the body’s center of gravity, requiring long-term arching the low back
- The head may be held in extreme flexion to look at the hands, etc.
Why Is Balanced Muscle Strength Important?
Health Issues Guitarists Are Prone To
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – with tingling, pain or numbness in the hand and/or fingers
- Tenosynovitis – With imbalances, the bursas around some tendons will experience excess pressure which irritates them leading to inflammation
- Ganglion Cysts – the inflammation in some bursas can become so pronounced that lumps will develop in the wrist or hand
- Thoracic Outlet syndrome – Guitar straps depressing the shoulder can cause pain which radiates from the shoulder down the arm.
- Neck Radiating Neuralgia – Pain coming from pinched nerves in the neck
- Lumbar strain – holding the weight of the guitar can imbalance muscles and cause low back pain.
Diagnosing Guitarist Health Issues
Muscle strength imbalances may be diagnosis by a trained specialist in Performing Arts Medicine and will typically involve a history, physical exam and testing specifically designed to look for muscle imbalances in the large to very small muscles of the hand. In more advanced situations, this may include x-rays, MRI, EMG, nerve conduction studies. It is important to work with a doctor who is experienced working with:
- Muscle imbalances
- Finger and hand issues
- Musicians and the stresses each instrument is prone to
Play Better by Balancing Muscles
- Speed
- Power
- Range
- Independence
- Technique
- Endurance
Contact: Dr. John M. Wallman, DC to arrange an appointment to evaluate your music related biomechanics at DoctorWallman@GMail.com. His background includes: 4 years at Manhattan School of Music; undergraduate studies of music education and; plays over a dozen instruments. In his health care practice, he has specialized in Performing Arts Medicine and written the exercise manual “Finger Exercises for Musicians”. He is President of the Diagnosis Foundation and practicing at Long Island Integrated Medical in Ronkonkoma, NY.
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