A guitarist performs on an outdoor stage during a festival, with people and a drummer in the background, and a rainbow pride flag hanging on stage equipment.

Wellness in the Music Industry

Two people lie on the floor in a backstage room, one on his back with arms stretched overhead, the other on his side with one arm supporting his head. The room has chairs, a table with glasses, and equipment cases. The hashtag #backstagewellness is displayed in the top left corner.

About me: I have been a Physical Therapist for 25 years. I have worked with musicians across every genre. I have lived life on the road as well as had my own practice for years. The information on this website is meant to empower you with tools to help yourself heal and stay well, no matter what environment you find yourself in. *I want to thank Collin Smith Takes Pics for contributing some of the images on this page!

How to keep your body (and mind) healthy on the road.

Travelling and touring- either as a band member or a part of the crew- presents a special and very challenging set of circumstances when it comes to keeping up with your health and well-being. Below, you will find tools to help you navigate staying connected and healthy as you do what you love.

Make it happen wherever you are!

The circumstances on the road are never ideal. You have to make it happen in the environment you find yourself in. Prioritize self-care.

Even in a backstage room full of people, do what you need to do to take care of yourself!

Let’s normalize taking care of yourself!

Even ONE minute can make a difference in the state of your tissue.

Even on a crowded tour bus. Finding 30 seconds to work on a knot in your back is helpful.

Use the resources available to you!

As a musician- making the time to proerly warm up is crucial for the health of your body.

Problem Areas

These are links to SHORT form videos

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Low Back/Hips

From lifting too much, sitting too long, jumping too high, or spazzing too much on stage- it can all be a strain on your back and hips.

Learn about common issues and easy stretches and manual therapy releases you can do anywhere. 

Loaders, Lifters, everyone
Learn more
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Arms/Hands

Repetitive motions like playing an instrument can wreak havoc on your tendons and muscles. Knowing how to properly warm up, cool down, and release when things are too tight can be crucial to preventing injury and sustaining a long and healthy career in music.

Learn about common issues and easy stretches and manual therapy releases you can do anywhere. 

Drummers, Guitar, Bass
Learn more
MORE VIDEOS
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Everyone

Neck/Shoulders

We are all on our phones and computers too much. If you add a heavy guitar strap to the mix, plus sleeping in a bunk on a bus, or in different hotels every night. Plus, being out of your routine and stressed about being away from friends and family, you end up with serious tension in your neck and shoulders.

Learn about common issues, as well as easy stretches and manual therapy releases that can be done anywhere.

LONGER- Follow Along Videos can be found here.

Learn more

What Hurts?

Select by body area!

CLICK here
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  1. MOVE- every joint, every direction, every day.

  2. PAY ATTENTION while you move. What feels tight? Painful? Weak? Different?

  3. Release what is tight, Strengthen what feels weak etc.

  • Learn to PAY ATTENTION to your body!

  • If you can FEEL the things that are tight and out of sorts- you can release them and deal with it BEFORE it becomes an injury or chronic condition.

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