Impact of Manual Therapy on Instrumentalist Musicians With Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic...

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Performing Arts Medicine

Background:

• Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are common among instrumentalist musicians.
• Manual therapy is a potential intervention for PRMDs, but evidence is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of manual therapy on PRMDs in instrumentalist musicians.
• To synthesize current evidence on manual therapy interventions for musicians with PRMDs.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE) up to December 17, 2024.
• Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), noncontrolled trials, and case reports evaluating manual therapy for PRMDs in instrumentalists.
• Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors.

Main Results:

• Nine studies (2 RCTs, 1 case series, 1 pre-post trial, 4 case reports) were included.
• One RCT showed reduced pain and disability for temporomandibular dysfunction in wind students with soft tissue/mobilization and postural exercises.
• Another RCT reported pain reduction with Tuina in professional musicians; however, both RCTs were underpowered with high risk of bias.
• Other studies were of low to very low quality, limiting conclusive evidence.

Conclusions:

• The current evidence base for manual therapy in treating PRMDs in instrumentalists is scarce and of low quality.
• High-quality RCTs are essential to rigorously evaluate the risks and benefits of manual therapy interventions for musicians.
• Further research is needed to establish effective and safe treatment protocols.