As a musician there are very few healthcare providers out there that truly understand what you are going through and with healthcare as it is today it’s extremely hard to navigate. Most providers will tell you to “rest” or offer you medications or injections to treat the symptoms. You MUST get to the root of the problem and address all the components that are contributing factors. It’s much more than putting a band-aid on the symptoms you are experiencing if you hope to eliminate those symptoms AND prevent issues in the future.
I am so excited to now own my own clinic after working in an orthopedic setting for years and years. The rat race of 18 patients a day did not allow me to focus on working with musicians to the extent I was passionate about. My passion and goal is to help musicians navigate through the crazy world of healthcare as it is today, to treat you holistically so you can avoid medications, injections, surgeries or having to “rest.” But, most importantly to help you avoid injuries in the first place.
Because of my background as a performer I have an intimate understanding of what a musician’s life is like, I understand the needs of the instruments and the stresses on the musician. I also understand what it’s like to have been through an injury that changed my course. Because of my education in Occupational Therapy and my advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist I have the knowledge of body mechanics, ergonomics, anatomy, kinesiology, and psychology. This combination allows me to have such an advantage in treating musicians.
My goal and focus is to look at every musician as a whole: how are you approaching your instrument from a biomechanical point, from a psychological point. What are the needs of your instrument as it compares to your individual body type? NO instrument is ergonomically correct, and every person approaches their instrument differently. Subtle habits, positions and changes can have a huge effect and what works for one may not work for another. What are the possible longterm effects of your position at your instrument? I look at what other types of activities may be contributing factors. And just as important as the physiological part is addressing the psychological part.
The hours and hours spent at your instrument put you in jeopardy of injuring your tissues, creating muscle imbalances that can last a lifetime. Make sure you take care of your body and are doing all the right things to continue doing what you love!!!