Physical performance and musculoskeletal disorders: Are musicians and sportspeople on a level playing field?

• Musculoskeletal disorders are expected amongst sportspeople, but not musicians.
• Sportspeople gain injury prevention advice at all levels, musicians may never gain this advice.
• Unlike musicians, sportspeople have access to health professionals with activity-specific training.
• Many successful aspects of sports practice, can be adopted by musicians, teachers and administrators.

ObjectivesTo discuss the differences in the prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) between musicians and sportspeople, the differences in the acceptance of and healthcare access for these populations regarding MSDs, and to propose ways in which musicians, music educators, health professionals, and employers of musicians can draw upon the culture and practices of sportspeople and teams, to assist musicians in better preventing and managing MSDs.MethodsA narrative review, drawing upon music and sports medicine research.ResultsThere are differences in the musicians’ MSD risk perception, in comparison with sportspeople, potentially due to the different nature of MSDs, early experiences with MSDs, and media coverage of sports MSDs. Unlike musicians, sportspeople gain MSD prevention advice at all levels, and they have access to health professionals with sports-specific training who are often associated with the team. Some of the practices of sports teams and players can be applied to musicians. For instance, musicians should be trained about their risk of MSDs, and how to prevent and manage them at all levels of playing, and seeking appropriate, early management should be supported and encouraged. Mandating some strategies may be appropriate. Health professionals also need more access to musician-specific training and specialisation pathways.ConclusionThere are many differences between musicians and sportspeople in terms of MSDs. Where possible, the positive aspects of sports training and culture, should be adopted by musicians to reduce the risk of MSDs, and provide better support to those who experience these disorders.