Musicians! You Need Physiotherapy Too!

Most people think of physiotherapy as something athletes or injured runners need—but musicians put their bodies through just as much strain. Whether you’re a guitarist hunched over your instrument, a pianist practicing for hours, or a violinist holding awkward positions, your body works hard every time you play.

Over time, those repetitive movements and static postures can lead to pain, stiffness, and even injuries that interfere with your ability to perform.

The good news? Physiotherapy can help you manage, prevent, and recover from these issues—so you can keep doing what you love.

Common Injuries and Pain Musicians Face

• Neck & Shoulder Tension → From hunching, reaching, or holding your instrument in awkward angles.

• Wrist & Hand Pain → Especially in pianists, violinists, drummers, and guitarists from repetitive finger and hand movements.

• Lower Back Strain → From long practice sessions in seated positions without proper support.

• Tendonitis & Overuse Injuries → Caused by repeating the same motions over and over.

• Nerve Compression → Tingling, numbness, or weakness can sometimes occur in the arms or hands.

When to See a Physiotherapist

You don’t need to wait until you’re in constant pain to seek help. Early intervention makes recovery faster and prevents small issues from becoming bigger ones.

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Persistent muscle tension or stiffness

• Pain that returns every time you play

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hands or arms

• Decreased flexibility or mobility

• A sudden drop in endurance or playing comfort

A physiotherapist like our very own PT Innes, who is a musician herself, can assess what’s going on, provide targeted exercises, release tight muscles, and teach you techniques to protect your body—so you can avoid downtime and keep your career or hobby moving forward.

Tips for Preventing Playing-Related Injuries

• Take regular breaks during practice

• Do gentle warm-up stretches before long sessions

• Check your posture and instrument setup

• Build strength and mobility outside of playing

• Don’t ignore small aches—they’re often early warning signs

Final Thoughts

Musicians are physical performers. Your body is your most important instrument, and taking care of it is essential for your craft. Physiotherapy can help you stay strong, flexible, and pain-free—so you can focus on what really matters: the music.