Musculoskeletal Conditions and Performance Anxiety Among Musicians: An Occupational Therapy Approach

The purpose of this capstone project was to gain advanced clinical practice skills in working with musicians suffering from playing-related musculoskeletal disorders and performance anxiety. The main outcome of the capstone project was the creation of a manuscript detailing the effectiveness of occupational therapy evaluation and intervention methods for playing-related musculoskeletal disorders and performance anxiety among musicians via a retrospective case series design. The 14-week capstone experience was completed at the M Health Fairview Hand Center in Burnsville, MN under the supervision of a certified hand therapist. Patient charts were reviewed for evaluation and intervention methods, as well as the progression of patient symptoms. Project outcomes demonstrated that occupational therapy treatment had a positive effect on musician’s health. Further research is still needed to explore occupational therapy interventions to meet the physical and mental needs of musicians