Hey all, I've been going through some issues with shoulder/neck/back pain in my right side while playing (slide arm). Other daily movements are also impacted so it's not just trombone.

Still working on figuring things out with doctors/etc, but I was curious if folks know of any writings or thesis/dissertations in the area of trombone related injuries on the slide slide. So far I haven't found much because most things focus on general posture and ergonomics on the left side. I'm really trying to see if theres stuff more on playing trombone with rotator cuff or similar issues.

Any other resources you've encountered and liked are welcome as well!

Thanks!

While David Vinings' recovery from dystonia is not your experience, perhaps some of the books mentioned on his site might help you find something closer to your situation.

[url]https://trombonetools.com/holding-the-trombone/

[url]https://davidvining.com/retraining-strategies/

[url]<LINK_TEXT text="https://davidvining.com/links-to-help-w ... -dystonia/">https://davidvining.com/links-to-help-with-embouchure-dystonia/</LINK_TEXT>

At ITF this year Dr. Jonathan Allen did an excellent presentation about trombone related muscular injuries which included a literature review. It would be worth reaching out to him for a discussion and he might share his research with you. If you have access to the ITF recap, his presentation was at 3:45 on the Saturday in the PDT room.

I found Dr. Allen’s website here: https://jonathansayreallen.com/projects/

(If you haven't already ...) Ask ChatGPT (or your favorite AI) something like "What are injuries and conditions resulting from playing trombone." You'll get a bunch of different kinds of injuries, split up into sub-categories) that you can then drill down into.

I don't know the literature, but I've had a couple of students with right arm and shoulder problems. In both cases they were smaller women who had done high school marching band (both in Texas, actually, though this tradition is not unique to Texas) and had to hold the instrument at uncomfortable angles for extended periods. I think they were probably supporting some of the weight of the instrument with the right hand - which is not good for trombone mechanics in any way - and holding their elbows up in ways that caused muscle strain.

In any case, my best recommendation is to see a doctor. Physical therapy is almost certainly what's needed. And when you go to the physical therapist, bring your trombone so you can discuss how you're holding it and moving the slide with somebody who truly understands anatomy.

Get in touch with Austin Pancner @thefunctionalmusician on Instagram and Facebook.