The treatment of overuse syndrome in musicians. Results in 175 patients

Overuse syndrome, a condition of pain and loss of function in muscle groups and ligaments through excessive use, is common in musicians. In this series, the less serious cases of the disorder have been successfully treated by a modification of physical activity while allowing the musician to continue to play. The more serious cases were treated by a radical rest programme, first described last century, usually up to 12 months, until the patient is pain free and the muscles and ligaments are no longer tender. Performance is then very gradually resumed. The criterion for total success is a return to music performance free of pain with sustainable practice habits.