music related injuries

stringfollies
Mon, 18 Jun 2007 08:58:35 +0000

My S (a violinist) developed a ganglion cyst. This is a bump on or near the wrist bone usually caused by overuse. He was unable to practise for about 6-8 weeks and it was a nightmare. I understand now that it is a not uncommon string player’s nemesis as it can come and go and can cause great pain. It can be removed surgically if all else fails, but there is always a risk of permanent damage to the ligaments of the wrist so surgery is to be avoided at all cost.
He was lucky - it appears to have disappeared (almost a year now).

The main reason I share this is that it now appears that it was brought on by the use (probably coupled with violin playing) of one of those teeny handheld video games which forced his thumb into an unnatural position. He played it a lot at camp last summer at a time when he also was practising 5-6 hours a day and the bump appeared. While he was dealing with the problem he was not playing the game and then, when in school, he had little time for it. But during the winter break, he started using the game again, he noticed that the bump (and some pain) reappeared. As soon as he gave up the game (which he no longer even owns), the bump left again.

So be sure to be paying attention to other activities which could be causing or worsening your problems!