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 - instrumentalist 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.