Years ago, while I was studying for my music grades, I started experiencing difficulties in my hands. My fingers hurt, and the joints locked some times. It was both worrisome and unpleasant. I couldn’t practise my piano repertoire and struggled with daily tasks. My usual GP suggested it could be arthritis, but initial treatment didn’t help.

Coincidentially, around that time I got an e-mail from the Musicians’ Union. A doctor specialised in the treatment of musicians’ ailments was coming to Birmingham, and MU members had the chance of booking an appointment, which I did. This introduced me to BAPAM, the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine.

At first glance, the need for medicine aimed to creatives in the areas of music, dance, acting and live entertainment may not be clear. We are humans like everybody else, so what could we need that others don’t? What happens is that the demands of our job make us suceptible to ailments that aren’t as common in other industries. From stress burnout, sleep issues and hearing problems at a general scale, to specific physical issues related to the way we use our bodies, we need to approach our health in a way that accommodates our work.

In my case, the professionals at BAPAM explained that I didn’t suffer from arthitis. Instead, I was experiencing wear and tear on finger joints and tendons. They gave me a preliminary treatment and recommended that I was assigned to a specialist in Birmingham. It was very good. Whilst I still have some minor occurrences, it isn’t nearly as bad as how it used to be.

BAPAM is a very needed organisation. Their support and guidance ensures the livelihood and wellbeing of the people behind our creative and enterntainment instrustries. Right now, they need our support to finance their services. If you’re able to donate to them, you can check the available options on their website.