Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1338685
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 27 "Here is what I can tell you, based on many years of treating musicians with problems such as yours," I said. "In a modest percentage of people, when an episode such as this is resolved, it does not return. A much smaller percentage of musicians have the opposite response—an ongoing problem that they must be constantly vigilant about addressing. The largest percentage experience a resolution of the initial problem but do have occasional episodes when under substantial stress or intense and erratic playing schedules. It is hard to know which category you will fall into at this time, but there are two factors that will be helpful to determine the future course of events. "The fi rst factor is your body's response to treatment. If you notice, each time I fi nd a sensitive area, the intensity seems to abate rather quickly. In my experience, this is an excellent sign for the future and speaks volumes about the health of your tissue and your body in general. "The second factor involves playing technique and underlying factors. Whenever I am treating a musician, I must consider the possibility that faulty technique is ultimately the problem. If it is, soft- tissue treatment is not likely to succeed and the issue will keep resurfacing. I know your professor and he is extremely knowledgeable about ergonomically sound technique. In addition, you are also seeing a physical therapist for strengthening and an Alexander instructor for more effi cient body usage. "When you add these factors together, there is no guarantee, but I'd say your outcomes are likely to be very positive. In fact, you may even come out of "Is this something that will pass, or is this a problem I will have to deal with my entire career?" Ms. M. asked. this with a more effi cient playing technique that will benefi t you for years to come. How you are handling this says a lot about your resilience and desire to learn and grow, both as a person and as a musician. I'm happy to be a part of this journey and look forward to sitting in a concert hall and hearing you play someday. That day will come." "Not soon enough," she replied. "I miss performing." And I miss attending live concerts due to COVID restrictions. When that day comes, attending hers will be especially gratifying. Addendum: I just saw Ms. M. for her fourth appointment. The previous evening, she performed an hour-long master's recital on the piccolo and was elated about how well it went. She was able to transcend from focusing on playing mistake-free to conveying the deep emotion embedded in the music. It was a transformative experience for her. She has already canceled that appointment in June. Douglas Nelson is the founder and principal instructor for Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars, president of the 16-therapist clinic BodyWork Associates in Champaign, Illinois, and president of the Massage Therapy Foundation. His clinic, seminars, and research endeavors explore the science behind this work. Visit nmtmidwest.com, or email him at doug@nmtmidwest.com. SCAN AND LISTEN "Every Session is an Opportunity"