Rehabilitation of a professional cellist with neck disorder: A case study of conservative therapy

Abstract

 We present the case of a professional cellist who complained of pain radiating from the right neck to the right upper extremity and was successfully treated by exercise therapy. Due to the nature of cello playing, cellists have a tendency to abduct their right shoulder when playing high notes. This is associated with increased posterior pelvic tilt and thoracic kyphosis. Improved strength of the posture-maintaining muscles allowed the scapula to move more freely, leading to symptom remission. Exercise therapy for musculoskeletal problems in musicians based on an understanding of the characteristics of the musical instrument they play is important for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders related musical instrument performance.