Introduction to Musculoskeletal and Vocal Injuries in Musicians
摘要
Professional musicians and vocalists, akin to athletes, face significant risks of musculoskeletal and vocal injuries due to repetitive movements, awkward postures, and intense vocal exertion inherent to their craft. These performance-related injuries, including tendonitis, nerve compression syndromes, and vocal fold nodules, affect 26%–93% of instrumentalists and 11%–59% of singers, with prevalence varying due to inconsistent diagnostic criteria across studies. Diagnostic imaging, such as MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, and laryngoscopy, is critical for accurate diagnosis, with MRI detecting soft tissue pathology in over 70% of cases among string players and vocalists with persistent symptoms. This chapter introduces the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of these injuries, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches that integrate medical, rehabilitative, and preventive strategies to enhance performers’ health, optimize functional outcomes, and sustain career longevity.