Lived experiences of musicians with pain: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of performance-related pain of professional violinists

The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is to explore how five professional South African violinists make sense of their lived experiences of performance-related pain. The research problem this study investigates is multifaceted. It includes examining the career implications for violinists who play despite experiencing pain and are afraid to speak up because of the stigma associated with being injured. There is a lack of support and understanding from fellow musicians, doctors and other specialists when faced with diagnosing injuries and recommending treatment options. In South Africa, there is limited research on these aspects. In this IPA study, the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five professional South African violinists with performance-related pain. The six subordinate themes that emerged from the data analysis were: (i) Playing through the pain; (ii) Lack of identity; (iii) Depression when unable to play because of pain; (iv) Growth through faith and spirituality; (v) Support and lack of support from family, friends, management, doctors and other experts; and (vi) Lack of awareness and understanding of performance-related injuries. Heightened awareness of musicians’ lived experience of performance-related pain could bring about much-needed change and support advocacy for pain-prevention initiatives and assistance for violinists.