Rsi, The Musician`s Enemy, And How To Deal With It

RSI. Three letters that can send shivers down any musician`s spine. An affliction that can cause slight problems to your playing or can stop you from playing music altogether. A scary thought for those that live, breathe and can`t think of anything else they`d rather do or could possibly do. It can be a very confusing, frustrating problem with seemingly no end but there are solutions and I hope through explaining my journey anyone who has the problem can find a way to overcome it.

I have been one of the unlucky ones that fell under the trap of the dreaded monster when I was 18. I had studied classical guitar from the age of 10, gradually progressing through my grades until I got to grade 8. I practised a lot, desperate to get an honors whilst studying for A levels and working a part time job as a waiter. I have come to realise now that a combination of things led to my RSI occurring and having to cancel my grade 8 guitar exam. Intense practice without warming up or warming down, no awareness of technique, bad posture in general but also at the guitar, studying for exams whilst gripping a pen and carrying plates in a busy restaurant.

I went to the doctor, who referred me to a physio, who referred me back to my doctor who referred me to a Rheumatologist. No one seemed to have a real answer to why I had pain or how to solve it. I was given a cortisone injection by the Rheumatologist which had no effect and was left confused. I decided to try "alternative medicine" and proceeded to have acupuncture, acupressure, massage and even reflexology but to no avail.

It wasn`t until I was introduced to the Alexander technique that something seemed to make sense. Instead of looking at my arms, I started to look at the root of the problem which was my playing and also my posture. The Alexander Technique taught me to get rid of excess tensions which I seemed to carry with me all day and in any activity I did which led to the easing of my RSI. There are many books you can read about the technique so I won`t go into detail but what it gave me was the freedom to chose if I had pain or not. I could now use my brain to make sure I did every movement properly be it at the guitar or in general and if I was lazy and did not think, my old habits would prevail and the pain would reoccur.

I recommend the Alexander technique to any musician who has any pain related problems or wants to prevent them, or to anyone who wants the freedom to know how to use their body properly. It can really improve most activities you do, from working at a computer to swimming. I also urge teachers to look at how their students are using their bodies when playing their instruments as this is equally as important as the piece they are playing. Physical awareness is essential to the complete and healthy performer.