Hands playing string instruments with light strands and a pain silhouette.

Playing Through the Pain: How Music Students Can Protect Their Bodies

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the connection between playing time and musculoskeletal pain in string musicians, plus strategies for prevention."

For aspiring musicians, mastering an instrument demands countless hours of practice. However, this dedication can sometimes come at a cost. String musicians, in particular, are susceptible to playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) due to the prolonged, asymmetrical postures they adopt while playing. Imagine hunching over a violin for hours each day – it's no wonder that discomfort can creep in!

While the pursuit of musical excellence often involves pushing boundaries, it's crucial to understand how sudden increases in playing time can impact your body. A recent study published in Medical Problems of Performing Artists sheds light on this very issue, revealing a significant link between increased practice and PRMP in string music students.

This article breaks down the key findings of the study and offers practical advice to help music students safeguard their physical well-being while honing their craft. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting your musical journey, understanding the risks and taking proactive steps is essential for a long and fulfilling career.

The Study: Playing More Can Mean Hurting More

Hands playing string instruments with light strands and a pain silhouette.

The study, led by Judith Robitaille and colleagues, followed 93 string instrument students attending intensive summer music camps. These camps, while offering invaluable training, often require a significant increase in playing time. The researchers tracked the students' playing habits and pain levels at the beginning and end of a week-long session.

The results revealed a clear trend: as playing time increased, so did the frequency and intensity of pain. Students reported discomfort in areas like the neck, shoulders, and back – common hotspots for string musicians. This highlights the importance of understanding how changes in practice routines can impact the body.

Increased Playing Time: Students increased their playing time by an average of 23 hours per week during the music camp.
More Pain: There was a statistically significant increase in pain frequency and intensity reported by the students.
Specific Areas: The most common locations for pain were the left shoulder and the left side of the neck.

The study also found that students who increased their playing time were more likely to experience a greater level of pain-related disability, affecting their ability to play as well as they wanted. This underscores the potential for PRMP to hinder progress and enjoyment in music.

Protecting Your Body: Practical Tips for Musicians

The research sends a clear message: sudden increases in playing time can increase pain and the risk of injury. Here are some actionable strategies to minimize the stress on your body and stay healthy:

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary cause of Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Pain (PRMP) for string musicians, according to the study?

The primary cause of PRMP for string musicians, as highlighted by the study led by Judith Robitaille and colleagues, is a sudden increase in playing time. The research, conducted with 93 string instrument students during intensive summer music camps, demonstrated a direct correlation between increased practice hours and the onset and severity of pain in areas like the neck, shoulders, and back. Specifically, students who increased their playing time by an average of 23 hours per week experienced a statistically significant rise in pain frequency and intensity. This underscores how changes in practice routines directly impact the body, leading to PRMP.

Which specific areas of the body are most commonly affected by PRMP in string musicians, as identified by the study?

The study pinpoints the left shoulder and the left side of the neck as the most common locations for PRMP in string musicians. This is due to the prolonged, asymmetrical postures these musicians adopt while playing their instruments. The repetitive motions and sustained positions, such as hunching over a violin, put significant stress on these areas. This sustained stress makes string musicians particularly vulnerable to developing pain and discomfort in these specific regions, as practice time increases.

How does the study define the link between increased playing time and pain-related disability in string music students?

The study indicates that students who increased their playing time were more likely to experience a greater level of pain-related disability. This disability affects the students' ability to play effectively, hindering their musical progress and overall enjoyment. The research underscores that PRMP, induced by increased practice, can substantially impact a string musician's performance capabilities, potentially limiting their ability to reach their full potential and enjoy their craft.

What are the key findings from the study conducted by Judith Robitaille and colleagues on string instrument students?

The study revealed a clear trend: as playing time increased, so did the frequency and intensity of pain. The students increased their playing time by an average of 23 hours per week during the music camp. The most common locations for pain were the left shoulder and the left side of the neck. There was a statistically significant increase in pain frequency and intensity reported by the students. The study also found that students who increased their playing time were more likely to experience a greater level of pain-related disability.

Beyond just pain, what are the broader implications of PRMP for string musicians, based on the study's findings?

The study's findings suggest that the implications of PRMP extend beyond mere discomfort. The research shows that increased playing time leading to PRMP can result in pain-related disability, significantly impacting the students' ability to perform at their best. This can hinder their progress and enjoyment in music, highlighting that the issue can affect their technical development, musical expression, and overall career trajectory. The research underscores the importance of preventative measures and careful management of practice routines to protect the long-term well-being and musical success of string musicians.