Performing arts medicine: Dedicated to the care of performing artists

We understand the importance of time for performing artists.

Our services

Care from head to toe

UW Health provides comprehensive diagnosis and care for instrumentalists, singers, dancers and actors at all performance levels, including students, professionals and amateurs. Common problems include voice disorders, muscle and joint problems, difficulty breathing, movement problems and performance anxiety.

The UW Health Performing Arts Medicine program is dedicated to the care of performing artists in a timely and customized manner.

The Performing Arts Medicine program can coordinate care and provide access to the full range of specialties available at UW Hospital and Clinics.

Our treatment team is committed to preventing re-injury and will provide performance artists with education on body mechanics and posture. Through treatment and therapy, we help to work with patients on protecting themselves from re-injury.

Conditions we treat

A performer can be affected by a variety of ear, nose and throat disorders. These conditions might include dizziness, hearing loss, sinus disease, swallowing problems, nasal breathing problems and injury to the head and neck.

Hoarseness and poor vocal endurance can interfere with the quality and clarity of the voice. Poor vocal endurance can result in vocal fatigue, lower volume, frequent repetition and increased effort to produce sound. Professional voice users can often compensate for minor vocal fold lesions, yet unattended, some of these lesions can cause career-threatening damage to the voice.

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Shortness of breath, asthma and chronic cough are the main areas of concerns for performing artists. These conditions can affect actors, singers and dancers. Sculptors and painters might be at risk of being exposed to different types of chemicals and toxins.

Treatment programs are available to deal with a variety of issues, including work and personal stress, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, alcohol dependency and ongoing supportive services. Sport psychologists provide guidance in mind-body skills for peak performance.

Performers are at a higher risk for various musculoskeletal conditions that can affect bones, joints and soft tissues. Dancers and musicians are especially prone to such problems due to repetitive movement and to extreme bodily stress and strain.

Neurological conditions and movement disorders can affect the speed, smoothness, quality and ease of an individual's movement. These conditions can affect the voice, head or any other part of the body.

If conventional approaches fall short of meeting the demands of performance, there might be non-invasive therapies capable of removing barriers blocking the body's ability to heal. An integrative approach employs numerous alternative techniques, including acupuncture, Feldenkrais Method, massage therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

Insurance information

There are numerous insurance plans, and provider networks associated with these plans change frequently. Please consult the provider directory given to you by your plan and/or call your insurance company’s customer service department to obtain specific benefit information.

Meet our team

Experts in caring for performers

Musculoskeletal disorders
Ear, nose and throat disorders
Voice disorders
Allergy and pulmonary conditions
Neurological conditions and movement disorders
Integrative health
Urologic conditions