Episode 3: How does breathing work, for real though?

03/15/22 • 10 min

Let's break down the basic anatomy and physiology of breathing as it pertains to making music and staying alive. Abby gives a few updates on her own voice lesson progress.
Main points:
1. Oxygen in, CO2 out.
2. Air moves toward areas where there is less of it. Once you breathe in, the air wants to go back out and vice versa.
3. Ribs in/diaphragm up = exhalation.
4. Ribs out/diaphragm down = inhalation.
5. Your guts have to be able to slide up and down while diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles dome up and down together as you breathe. Gross.
6. You need to be able to breathe easily no matter what body position you're in.
7. Common issues seen in musicians are associated with postural patterns and what your instruments have trained you to be good at.
Questions? Please ask them! Would love to hear from you!

Abby is the owner of Forte Performance & Physical Therapy, where she works with musicians, artists, and performers to help them feel and sound their best.
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Disclaimer: This podcast episode is for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.

Previous Episode

Episode 2: Why Do Injuries Happen?

Abby Halpin, physical therapist and coach for musicians and artists, talks about why injuries happen and what to do when they do. She also shares why she greets the day like she greet you!
Main points:
1. Pain does not equal tissue damage
2. Injuries happen when the load on your body outweighs the resilience you've built up.
3. Don't give yourself training whiplash.
4. Rest is not always (often isn't) the answer.
5. You deserve care from a PT who knows what you need as a musician.
6. Don't take "stop playing" as an answer.
7. Let me know what you need.

Next Episode

Episode 4: Musicians Can Lift Heavy Stuff!

Abby makes a case for adding strength training to your routine to improve your performance as a musician.
Main points:
1. Strength does not equal bulky, stiff, slow muscles.
2. Too many musicians have told me they have been advised NOT to lifting heavy things.
3. Strength = max force you can produce against a load.
4. Strength training makes you withstand more load.
5. Strength training allows you to be MORE flexible and MORE mobile!
Next time: What should be in a starter strength program for musicians?