Shoulder Pain in Musicians

Abstract

Professional musicians with shoulder pain and other performance-related musculoskeletal disorders have received little attention in the orthopedic literature. Musicians, who repetitively use their hands overhead such as small string instrument players and conductors, are susceptible to rotator cuff injury. Rotator cuff injuries range from an acute tendonitis to chronic tendinosis and rotator cuff tears. The rotator cuff functions as a shoulder stabilizer and assists in arm elevation and rotation. Rotator cuff injuries cause pain and may result in weakness and difficulty performing daily as well as musical activities. Treatment of rotator cuff injuries focuses on nonoperative modalities, but surgical intervention may be indicated for persistent pain. Physicians should be aware that rotator cuff injuries occur in musicians to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.