Vision 

 

Systemically speaking, playing a musical instrument is a complex interplay of the musculoskeletal system and its physiological support systems, its primary control by the central and peripheral nervous systems, the cognitive control of task performance and the nature and intensity of the activities performed. Problems can occur at every system level and at every individual system element due to trauma, systemic disorders, but also due to overuse expressed by pain and/or impaired movements. 

Given the complexity of the tasks and interacting systems, problems cannot always be attributed to an obvious cause. In that case, a specialized multidisciplinary approach is needed. When systemic disorders can be ruled out, it may be useful to investigate whether there are anatomical factors in the hand itself that could cause and explain playing problems. Such analysis requires both specialized knowledge and measuring equipment. 

 

The HBCM aims to provide this niche service within the global framework of specialized care for musicians, as follows. 

 

• In the case of clinical hand function complaints (overuse complaints, focal dystonia), the HBCM will only see musicians on referral by medical specialists as part of their planning of treatment and of the functional monitoring of outcomes.

 

• Musicians can have non-clinical functional problems when playing, such as persistent problems with playing technique that compromise a conservatory study. These musicians can contact the HBCM directly for a biomechanical analysis of possible causative hand factors. These data may help the musician gain insight in the nature of the problems, in support of ergonomic playing advice or possible clinical treatments.