The Biomechanics of it All
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Hi Reader(s)!
I suppose I could have updated you on the last months of goings on. The thing is, I haven't been doing much. Well, that's not true. I had a great trip up North and another short visit to the A2 (that's Ann Arbor, for those not in the know). But I haven't been working. There is something to be said for freelancing: I just took a month off. Granted, I didn't make any money, but that was my choice, and I'm happy I made it.
Now, what I really wanted to blog about, though, is about how very little musicians seem to know or understand about our bodies. The thing is, we spend all day making interesting and difficult demands on our bodies in order to pursue music, but yet, most of us know so very little! Those of you who know me know that I've been through a very difficult odyssey in the past year dealing with an embouchure injury and resulting problems in my playing. But besides that, I'm beginning to wish they had some sort of "Anatomy for Musicians" classes at Universities!
I managed to rotate one of my vertebrae, which is attached to a rib, which makes it hurt when I breathe. (At least, that's what I understood from the physical therapist today.) He fixed it! It was pretty incredible, actually. I've got most of my range of motion back and can actually breathe enough to play. The more contact I've had with physical therapists, the more in awe of them I am! I know that I've ranted about this on my old blog, but the topic still fascinates me: How did I get this far without knowing some of this stuff?
I think it would have been great to have more practical knowledge presented as an undergrad or in graduate school. A very basic anatomy class that teaches HOW our bodies function to play our instruments could be REALLY helpful! How many of us have had to deal with a tension issue of some sort? For brass and woodwind players, how many of us really understand how the respiratory system works? And the arms? We all use those! And how about injury prevention? I can name more than five of my close friends who have suffered with some sort of tendonitis, and not just string players! Repetitive stress injuries have probably touched all of us at some point or another.
I'd be interested to hear what y'all think about this idea. Would information like that have helped you at some point in your career? How do you think it would be best presented? Personally, I think that a basic course could address most of the needs of the orchestral instruments. While cellists might not be so interested in lung capacity, I'm sure that horn players aren't as interested in left hand bow muscles. But a little cross-instrumental understanding might be an added bonus! What kinds of medical/physical information would you want to know? Please comment, I'm really interested!
Posted byL. at 6:32 PM 1 comments
Labels: musical medicine
January
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Now, y'all know that I'm not really into holidays. But I do like the introspection that New Years often brings. I like thinking about the year past and figuring out how this year might be better.
Frankly, I'm thrilled that 2007 is over. Good riddance, I say. I haven't really thought of any resolutions I want to make, per say, but I sure hope that 2008 doesn't suck. So here's my resolution, I guess: "Make 2008 not suck." Eloquent, I know.
I don't have much going on, and I'm taking off for Calgary for a few weeks, so the posts might be few and far between. January is slow for work anyway, I figured I might as well just skip town. Even though I've turned a few things down in the past few days, I still don't regret leaving. After the holiday rush, the time away should be fun.
Before I check out, though, check out this post from my friend Spot. I couldn't agree more.
Posted byL. at 9:24 PM 0 comments
