2024 STATE CONFERENCE

Wellness session

"Playing related musculoskeletal disorders in Pianists”

“Playing-related pain poses a significant health concern for musicians, often impacting their ability to perform. Piano playing can
be very demanding physically and prevention of injury is a primary concern for all musicians. The causes of these injuries are multifactorial and include postural deficits, change in musical load, overall physical fitness, and psychological. Pianists who experience tension, pain or injury need to complement medical advice with a re-assessment of their technical approach to avoid the problem recurring.Therapeutic exercise is a healthy approach to alleviate these symptoms, offering a low-cost intervention with minimal side effects. Through this talk we hope to relay the importance of posture and fitness, understanding the triggers for pain and injuries,and learning the strategies to manage pain and injury prevention.”

Hemangi Shastri, DPT, CHT, CEAS II, CCI

Hemangi Shastri is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 25 years of experience, specializing in the rehabilitation of hand and upper extremity injuries. She holds a certification in Hand Therapy and is an Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. For the past 15 years, she has worked at Penn Medicine Princeton Rehabilitation, primarily in outpatient care. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of assessing and treating numerous instrumental musicians, integrating her clinical skills with their unique needs.

Kelly A. Gray, PT, RN, DPT, CLT-LANA

Kelly Gray received her Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Physical Therapy from Stockton University. She is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with LANA designation. She has also received an Associates of Science degree in Nursing, certifications in Ergonomic Assessment, Parkinson’s LSVT BIG, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Oncology Rehabilitation. Kelly is currently the rehab manager for Penn Medicine Princeton Outpatient Rehab of Monroe and the Penn Medicine Princeton lymphedema program.