Specialized Services

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The Health Program for Performing Artists is one of the first programs dedicated to the study, diagnosis and treatment of ailments commonly encountered by performing artists of all ages. The program was founded in 1985 by Dr. Peter Oswald, a prominent member of the UCSF department of psychiatry for 40 years. Oswald, who died in 1996, also was a gifted violinist and writer.

Although the program cares for all types of performing artists, including dancers, it specializes in the evaluation and treatment of musicians. The program has a long history of working with musicians and treating the conditions that commonly affect them, such as repetitive strain injuries, arthritis, degenerative disc problems, chronic pain, spine problems, nerve entrapments and musicians dystonia.

The team includes experts from various specialties, such as physical therapy, orthopedics, neurology, surgery and podiatry who work together to develop the best and most effective treatment plan for each patient. Members of the team developed some of the innovative approaches used today to treat conditions affecting performing artists.

The program offers a wide range of services, including:

• Clinical biomechanical evaluation of performance techniques
• Ergonomic preventive analysis
• Evaluations of medical condition
• Individual consultations
• Physical therapy services
• Referral services to appropriate specialists

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More Information
For more information or to make an appointment, please contact the Health Program for Performing Artists through the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Health Program for Performing Artists