Being a percussionist can be physically demanding! Percussionists that have had Alexander Technique training understand that the various rhythms and percussive sounds that they create and drive forward can come from lengthened, free arms and joints that work from an integrated torso. They learn that they do not need to tighten their bodies or compress their spine in response to the complex rhythms they produce and feel in their bodies. 

In contrast, the stimulus of the downward strike of the drumsticks or mallets tend to pull the more typical percussionist forward and down and compromise the integrity of the back. Poor postural habits can develop as the head is also pulled forward and down, the back becomes rounded or the shoulders become tight and lifted because the upper back is not functioning well. 

Professional percussionists can end up with tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or decreased grip strength because of the repetitive strain in their wrists, hands and forearms. Drummers often develop pain in the forearms, wrist, and cramping of their hands, while others may develop back issues as a result of tight hip flexors related to their foot work. 

Alexander Technique helps drummers to develop much better upright posture which prevents the head and neck from being pulled forward and down. Lower back issues improve when the back becomes more integrated, the legs lengthen, and the foot work becomes “grounded.” Keeping the joints “open” and the arms fluid instead of stiff lowers the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Percussionists who have Alexander training also become much more aware of their grip strength, and fine tune the degree of muscular involvement to not over-grip the drumsticks.