Survey Findings
The survey described in Chapter 4 of my thesis (2011) supports the findings from previous flute surveys which indicate that playing-related musculoskeletal disorders are common in the flute community. Despite the topic of injury prevention and management receiving little attention in the flute literature, respondents voiced their concerns about playing-related discomfort and pain. Flutists indicated overwhelming support and need for further research and training on injury prevention and management.
At the time of the survey 26.7% of respondents were suffering from flute playing-related discomfort or pain. Half of the respondents (49.7%) had experienced flute playing-related discomfort or pain that was severe enough to distract while performing, and a quarter of the total group (25.8%) had taken an extended period of time off playing because of discomfort or pain. Over half of the respondents (56.5%) had consulted with allied health and medical professionals such as physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors and doctors about their playing-related conditions.
The survey is consistent with earlier studies showing that the most common types of pain flutists suffer from is in the fingers, hands, arms, neck, middle and upper back, and shoulders. While gender was not a factor in the group currently suffering from discomfort or pain, significantly, women were more likely to suffer from playing-related aching and stiffness than men in the arms, neck, shoulder and middle/upper back. Females were also significantly more likely to suffer from burning pain in the arms, numbness, tingling and radiating pain into the fingers, as well as sharp pain into the wrist and neck.
Flutists reported that they were able to prevent and manage playing-related discomfort and pain through massage, stretching, general exercise and fitness, Alexander Technique and through using a heat pack. Factors which worsened the condition were fatigue, not taking sufficient breaks, stress or worry, poor posture in non playing activities such as computing, not stretching, playing in cold environments, lack of exercise, poor playing postures and performance anxiety.
Flutists were concerned about the lack of emphasis on posture and positioning in teaching, particularly by band teachers. There was a strong interest in further information and training in injury prevention and management strategies. Flute teachers showed particular concern about school and community band seating, reporting that many conductors and band directors seem to ignore poor postural tendencies in the flute section. Teachers were also divided on what defines good posture and playing position, and this is reflected in the flute literature.
This large-scale study has provided insight into strategies teachers use to prevent, manage and treat playing-related discomfort, tension and pain. This is an area which has received limited focus in the literature, yet the survey showed that flute teachers are actively involved in recommending strategies such as taking regular practice breaks, altering playing position, getting the flute serviced, stretching, and using ergonomic modifications, such as thumb rests. Many flutists find that awareness programs such as Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, and Feldenkrais, as well as massage, stretching and general exercise and fitness are valuable in preventing or managing playing-related musculoskeletal problems.
