Affiliations: Assistant Professor, Don Wright Faculty of Music, the
University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Post-doctoral Fellow,
School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario,
Canada. Hand & Upper Limb Clinical Research Lab, St. Joseph's Healthcare
London, Ontario, Canada. E-mail: Christine_guptill@alumni.uwo.ca
Abstract: Objective: Research and clinical experience have shown that
musicians are at risk of acquiring playing-related injuries. This paper
explores findings from a qualitative research study examining the lived
experience of professional instrumental musicians with playing-related
injuries, which has thus far been missing from the performing arts health
literature. Methodology: This study employed a phenomenological methodology
influenced by van Manen to examine the lived experiences of professional
musicians with playing-related injuries. Participants and Methods: Ten professional musicians in Ontario,
Canada were interviewed about their experiences as musicians with
playing-related injuries. Six of the participants later attended a focus group
where preliminary findings were presented. Results: The findings demonstrate a need for education about risk
and prevention of injuries that could be satisfied by healthcare professionals
and music educators. Conclusions: The practice and training of healthcare professionals
should include the "tactful" (van Manen) delivery of care for this important
and vulnerable population.
Keywords: Playing-related injury, work, phenomenology, performing arts, health
