I chose to play a musical instrument because it looked fun. For many of us, that proves to be true, but sometimes unexpected challenges arise on the path to experiencing the joy of music-making. The instrument can be physically challenging to hold or to play for an extended period of time. Our drive to play a piece of music that is just a little bit past our current ability can push us into demanding practice schedules. The pressure to succeed, along with performance stress, can lead to greater levels of tension in our muscles, compromised breathing patterns, poor posture, and maladaptive muscle use. This was the case for me while earning my music degree in piano at Ithaca College. I found myself dealing with more than hitting the right notes or playing the correct rhythms. When playing started to hurt and cause emotional stress, I lost sight of the fun.

When musicians develop injuries or illnesses, physical therapy is often essential to their recovery. Facing severe shoulder pain myself, I was referred to physical therapy. Through treatment, I learned exactly how the injury occurred, how to resolve it safely, and how to prevent it from returning. Dealing with that health issue was incredibly difficult, but the experience gave me a profound appreciation for the role the body plays in music-making. This sparked a lifelong commitment to studying health, exercise science, and physical therapy. Now, my mission is to help other musicians embrace healthy musicianship and a holistic approach to their craft—so they can finally return to the fun of it all!