Hello, I am a BAPAM Registered Physiotherapist and keen amateur musician playing the clarinet and bassoon. My love of music has led to me to have a specific interest in assessing and treating injuries and playing-related musculo-skeletal disorders affecting musicians.
Treating a professional or an amateur musician is not a lot different to treating athletes or sportspeople. The tendinopathies, repetitive strain injuries and muscle imbalance syndromes are very similar and can be just as devastating to both.
Incorrect posture, non-ergonomic technique, excessive force, overuse, stress, and insufficient rest can contribute to acute and chronic injuries that cause pain and symptoms that can interfere with your musical career. These problems are avoidable with the correct management of your practice and playing routine. Good warm ups, posture, instrument set up and time management can all help to avoid injury.
If you feel you may be developing some symptoms that interfere with your playing, physiotherapy can help. Consultations involve a full assessment followed by a treament session. You can bring your instrument along if you would like to demonstrate how you play and see if any adjustments can be made to your technique, posture or instrument to relieve a stress on a certain joint or muscle.
Some common musician injuries include:
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- Acute injuries affecting muscles and tendons.
- Overuse injuries.
- Neck and back pain.
- Muscle imbalance problems and movement dysfunction.
- Nerve entrapment syndromes.
- Focal dystonia or musician’s cramp
- Playing posture.
- Ergonomics of playing an instrument.
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COVID-19/Coronavirus
As the Covid-19 lockdown measures are easing, I am now able to offer face to face appointments aligned with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy guidelines. I have been so impressed with how well remote video appointments have been received, I will continue to provide these as an option if preferred.
There’s a perception that online consultation is a poor second best to face to face appointments. It isn’t, there is plenty that I can do to help and support you, to assess and plan an effective treatment programme and ensure you are doing all the right things for the best recovery.
The video sessions have been very well received, you can read some more testimonials here.
“It was really useful to talk to a specialist and have the freedom to ask questions about my specific case. She was able to tell what was wrong with my injured arm through a series of tests and assured me it was something she could help me with. She showed me some really great stretches, and sent me many links to help me learn more about conducting my own treatment from home. I have been doing the stretches she recommended (as well as the awesomeness of her reassuring me it was going to heal) and they have worked like magic. I am now 2 / 3 weeks later recording violin for a very exciting album. Also she was very lovely to work with.”
Bethany Stenning (STANLÆY), Musician, Bath
A remote consultation consisting of an assessment, advice and treatment plan with follow up email support : £45 per session.
Face to Face initial assessment and treatment with email follow up exercise plan : £50.
Face to Face follow up sessions : £40
Health Insurance companies such as BUPA and AXA PPP will usually cover remote appointments as they would face to face sessions.
Contact me on 01707 874501
Email: louise@cuffleyphysio.co.uk
You may be able to claim the cost of treatment through your private health insurance eg. BUPA, AXA/PPP, Aviva etc. You will need a referral from your GP or Specialist to claim through insurance. If you are paying for your treatment yourself, no referral is needed.
A discount is available to BAPAM members.
