Selected Musicians Treated with EMG Feedback

Journal/Book: International Journal of Arts Medicine. 1993; 2: pp. 33-38.

Abstract: Occupational disorders of performing musicians are multifactorial, and in many ways resemble those in other activities that involve repetition of specialized movements (Fischer-Williams, 1985; Knishkowy & Leder-man, 1986). This report includes 30 cases of musicians in which excess inappropriate muscle contraction is the main feature; tension myalgia, the diagnosis; and focal dystonias, in one particular patient. Three of these cases are described in detail. In 1978, Fischer-Williams observed in musicians with certain disorders that excess contraction often occurs throughout the body, not only in those muscles involved in the presenting symptom. The present report, therefore, poses the theory that electromyographic (EMG) feedback is useful for control of this overall excess contraction and balance between prime movers and their antagonists. These documented laboratory reports lend support to the usefulness of another behavioral method of treatment, the Alexander method. The specific treatment used, documentation, and observations are reported.

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