Violin merging into spine, symbolizing musculoskeletal health in musicians.

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

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"Elite musicians face unique physical challenges. Learn how changes in practice time can impact musculoskeletal health and what you can do to stay pain-free."

For musicians, their bodies are their instruments. The countless hours spent practicing and performing demand intense physical dedication. From concert halls to small studios, musicians must cultivate healthy habits early in their careers to prevent chronic issues, particularly musculoskeletal pain. Yet, the life of a music student is often marked by fluctuating practice schedules, intense rehearsals, and the pressure to constantly improve. This can lead to overuse injuries that can affect their careers and overall well-being.

A study published in Medical Problems of Performing Artists sheds light on this critical issue, exploring how sudden changes in playing time affect the development of playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) in students who play bowed string instruments (BSI). These instruments—violin, viola, cello, and double bass—require unique, often asymmetrical postures that place specific demands on the body.

While the connection between intensive practice and pain might seem obvious, this research delves into the specifics, offering insights into how young musicians can safeguard their physical health amidst rigorous training. By understanding the risks and implementing preventative strategies, aspiring musicians can build lasting careers without sacrificing their physical well-being.

The Link Between Increased Playing Time and Pain: What the Research Shows

Violin merging into spine, symbolizing musculoskeletal health in musicians.

The study followed 93 BSI students attending intensive summer music camps—environments known for pushing young musicians to their limits. Participants completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of a week-long session, detailing their playing habits and any pain they experienced. The results revealed a clear trend: as playing time increased, so did the frequency and intensity of pain.

Specifically, the study found that students' playing time increased by an average of 23 hours per week during the camp. This surge in practice correlated with a significant rise in reported pain frequency and intensity. Nearly one-third of the students experienced an increase in pain, and new cases of pain emerged among those who initially reported none.

Increased Pain Intensity: Participants reported a notable increase in pain intensity, regardless of whether they described it as their “worst,” “least,” “average,” or “current” pain level.
New Pain Cases: A significant number of students who initially reported no pain developed playing-related pain during the week.
Impact on Performance: Many students felt that their pain negatively impacted their ability to play, affecting their technique and overall performance.

While the study highlights a significant correlation, it's important to note that increased playing time only partially explained the changes in pain characteristics. This suggests that other factors, such as changes in posture, new repertoire, and the psychological demands of intensive training, also play a role.

Practical Strategies for Protecting Your Body

The study's findings underscore the need for young musicians to prioritize injury prevention. Here’s what you can do to minimize your risk of developing PRMP: <ul> <li>Gradual Progression: Avoid sudden spikes in playing time. Gradually increase your practice duration to allow your body to adapt.</li> <li>Proper Posture and Technique: Work closely with your instructors to ensure you maintain correct posture and technique. Addressing these issues early can prevent long-term problems.</li> <li>Regular Breaks: Incorporate frequent breaks into your practice sessions to avoid overuse.</li> <li>Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Just like athletes, musicians need to prepare their bodies for the demands of playing. Include stretching and light exercises in your routine.</li> <li>Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any pain or discomfort and address it promptly. Don't push through pain, as this can lead to more serious injuries.</li> <li>Seek Professional Help: If you experience persistent pain, consult a healthcare professional specializing in performing arts medicine. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options.</li> </ul> By understanding the risks and implementing preventative measures, young musicians can pursue their passion while protecting their physical well-being. A long and fulfilling career in music depends on a healthy body.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) and why is it a concern for musicians, especially those who play bowed string instruments (BSI)?

Playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) is pain that arises from the physical demands of playing a musical instrument. It's a significant concern, especially for musicians playing bowed string instruments (BSI) like the violin, viola, cello, and double bass, because these instruments often require asymmetrical postures and repetitive movements. This can lead to overuse injuries. Fluctuating practice schedules and pressure to constantly improve can exacerbate the risk of developing PRMP, potentially affecting their careers and overall well-being. Addressing PRMP early is crucial for a lasting career.

How does increased playing time affect the risk of developing playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) among musicians who play bowed string instruments (BSI)?

Research indicates a direct correlation between increased playing time and the risk of developing playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP). A study of bowed string instrument (BSI) students at intensive summer music camps revealed that as playing time increased by an average of 23 hours per week, the frequency and intensity of pain also rose. Many students reported an increase in pain intensity and new cases of pain emerged. Increased playing time is a significant contributor to PRMP development among musicians. However, it’s important to consider other factors like posture, repertoire, and psychological demands.

Besides increased playing time, what other factors contribute to playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) in musicians who play bowed string instruments (BSI)?

While increased playing time is a significant factor in developing playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) for bowed string instrument (BSI) musicians, other elements also play a crucial role. These include changes in posture, which can strain different muscle groups, learning new repertoire, which may involve unfamiliar and demanding techniques, and the psychological demands of intensive training, which can lead to muscle tension and increased sensitivity to pain. Each of these factors can contribute to the overall risk of experiencing PRMP.

What practical strategies can music students use to protect their bodies and prevent playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP), particularly those who play bowed string instruments (BSI)?

To prevent playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP), music students, especially those playing bowed string instruments (BSI), should adopt several strategies. Gradual progression in playing time is essential to allow the body to adapt. Maintaining proper posture and technique, with guidance from instructors, can prevent long-term issues. Regular breaks during practice sessions help avoid overuse. Warm-up and cool-down routines, including stretching, prepare the body for and help recover from playing. It is vital to listen to the body and address any pain promptly, seeking professional help from specialists in performing arts medicine if pain persists.

What are the potential long-term implications of ignoring playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) for musicians dedicated to bowed string instruments (BSI), and why is early intervention so critical?

Ignoring playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) can have serious long-term implications for musicians who play bowed string instruments (BSI). Chronic pain can develop, potentially leading to a decline in playing ability, reduced performance quality, and even career-ending injuries. The condition could also affect overall well-being, impacting daily activities and mental health. Early intervention is critical because addressing pain and discomfort promptly can prevent the progression to more severe conditions. Seeking professional help and implementing preventative strategies early can help ensure a long and fulfilling career in music.