Performing Arts Medicine
The medical needs of performing artists are different from those of the general population. The types of problems performing artists face can hurt or even destroy a career. Making these problems even more challenging is that few health care providers specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the occupational disorders of performing artists.
To meet the unique needs of performers, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) provides actors, dancers, singers and musicians with quality medical treatment that is both effective and timely, helping performers return to their work at full function and reduce their risk for future injury.
The performers who seek our services have different medical needs and goals, which is why we design an individualized therapeutic program for each patient. These customized programs may include:
- Physician Consultation
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Voice Therapy
- Pilates-based rehabilitation on the clinical reformer
- Feldenkrais lessons
- Psychological services
Because our treatment team is committed to preventing re-injury, we educate our patients about posture and body mechanics. This teaching enables our patients to take active roles in their therapies and make adjustments in their behaviors to protect themselves from re-injury.
Our Physicians
Alice Brandfonbrener, MD
Panjaporn (Pam) Supanwanid-Henrich, MD
The Treatment Team
If a performer requires diagnosis, a physician will evaluate the condition and coordinate a plan of care. Other members of the treatment team who may provide services include:
- Physical therapists, who work with the performer to restore function of the joints and muscles, improve balance and endurance and to re-educate performance-specific muscles. This may involve using modalities, stretching, strengthening and therapeutic massage. Feldenkrais or Pilates-based techniques can also be incorporated into the performer's therapy program.
- Occupational therapists, who help to restore the hand and upper extremity functions needed to perform specific maneuvers while playing an instrument. This often involves stretching and strengthening exercises. Occupational therapists may also work with the performer to make adjustments to the performer's working environment and playing style, both on- and offstage. The goals of such adaptations are to enhance health as well as performance.
- Psychologists, who work with patients who need assistance managing stress, performance anxiety, adjustment issues and chronic pain.
- Speech-language pathologists , who help performers improve vocal quality, resonance and endurance. Therapists first identify vocal abuse or misuse on- and offstage, then develop treatments for vocal conservation. Speech therapies include strategies for reducing voice fatigue, hoarseness and loss of voice and also teach healthy posture and breathing techniques for both speaking and performing.
The Medical Program for Performing Artists is at the Main Campus, located at 345 E. Superior Street, in Chicago. The program offers physician consultations and therapy appointments. Please note that a physician's prescription is required to receive therapy services.
For more information, call direct 312-238-ARTS (2787) or use our Toll Free Referral and Information Line: 1-800-354-REHAB (7342).