Date of Award
6-1997
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Dr. Susan Meyers
Second Advisor
Shirley Lukens
Third Advisor
Dr. Judy Feinberg
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study was conducted to add to the body of knowledge concerning musicians' musculoskeletal problems and to investigate whether an occupational therapy specialty is warranted for this field of medicine. An original questionnaire was constructed and administered to the members of three symphony orchestras. Three primary sections of the questionnaire address participants' demographic and occupational characteristics, symptom and treatment experiences, and opinions on medical care. Descriptive data are reported for all sections of the questionnaire. Particular attention is given to the effectiveness of traditional occupational and physical· therapy treatments. Data are provided regarding the relationships between variables: (a) certain personal characteristics and experiencing musculoskeletal problems, and (b) having sought medical treatment and opinions on medical care. Results indicate that musicians prefer medical professionals who have special training in music or music medicine. The conclusion is made that a medical professional who does not have this training should be successful in treating musicians if this professional does possess a certain sensitivity to the musicians' special conditions. Occupational therapy is an appropriate profession to provide this beneficial individualistic, holistic approach to care.
Recommended Citation
Stephenson, Susan Gail, "Musicians' Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Problems: Medical Care from the Patients' Perspective" (1997). Masters Theses. 5298.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5298