International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 151 Vol.7; Issue: 5; May 2017 International Journal of Health Sciences and Research www.ijhsr.org ISSN: 2249-9571 Original Research Article Common Musculoskeletal Injuries Faced by Indian Drummers Sagar Vedpathak 1 , Dr. Purti Haral 2 1 Intern, School of Physiotherapy, D.Y.Patil University, Navi Mumbai, India 2 Assistant Professor, School of Physiotherapy, D.Y.Patil University, Navi Mumbai, India Corresponding Author: Dr. Purti Haral ABSTRACT In creating and performing music, drummers can experience health problems from the high physical and psychological demands of their profession. Musculoskeletal disorders related to playing are painful, chronic and disabling conditions which are prevalent among drummers. Objective: To study musculoskeletal injuries faced by Drummers and their understanding about positioning, technique and physiotherapy. Method: A cross sectional survey based study using self-devised pre validated questionnaire based on a convenience sample of 56 Indian drummers with mean age of 16.22 ± 5.73, from drumming academies. Result: 26% reported middle back injury; 18% calves; 16% lower back; 13% elbows and arms; 11% upper back; 5% knee and 3% at neck, wrists, forearms, hand and back of feet. Conclusion: Data analysis concluded that pain was experienced commonly in Middle back followed by Calves, Lower back, Elbows and arms, Upper back, Knee, Neck, Wrist, Forearm, Hand and Heel respectively. The author suggests that the incorporation of postural and ergonomic awareness into musical education could be of benefit. Drummers also need to be made aware regarding physiotherapist’s role in injury prevention and post -injury rehabilitation. Keywords: Drummer, musician, injury, prevention, physiotherapy. INTRODUCTION Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the most complex tasks that the human body can perform with muscles, joints and nerves often operating above its normal capacity. [1] Drumming is a very demanding and dynamic activity requiring a tremendous amount of muscle conditioning, endurance, strength and coordination. To become a great drummer, one must practice long hours, performing the same repetitive activity over and over again to develop the necessary muscle memory to perform night after night. Training programs demand increasing levels of commitment resulting in hours of high volume and intensity practice, requiring the use of all parts of the body. Playing drums requires effort, speed and highly repetitive movements. Risk factors for drumming-related musculoskeletal disorders include high repetition, high force, and other factors, such as vibration. [2] Drums were designed without incorporating ergonomic aspects, despite some efforts to improve its design, playing a drum can be physically challenging. The entire drum kit has specific characteristics that might predispose the musician to injury. Studies have found that the drummers either develop an injury due to overuse of the muscles due to the volume of practicing and