In this month’s video column of “Playing Well with Dr. Randall Kertz,” Dr. Kertz discusses and demonstrates the ergonomics of staying healthy as a bass player. This includes looking at common problems bassists face in their hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, etc. You can find more on this topic in Dr. Kertz’s book, “The Bassist’s Guide […]
Although Rovner Products’ production department had been idle since the end of March due to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s COVID-19 state mandate closing all non-essential businesses, in late April some of the company’s manufacturing equipment was redeployed. “In March, stories of desperate medical workers were all over the news, and we were horrified. We realized […]
If you want to get in shape and learn how to play a new instrument, but don’t really have time in your busy schedule, why not try an instrument that will allow you to do both at the same time?
Pain and injury are near constant companions for professional musicians. Aching hands, painful joint swelling, back problems, among other ailments were all thought to be part of the price musicians had to pay to be performers. However, thanks to an increasing awareness of both the kinesiology and biology of movement, as well as proper techniques […]
Dr. Kertz’s monthly column, Playing it Well with Dr. Kertz will address how musicians can avoid injury, how they can identify things they may do to cause injury, and offer general health information and tips for musicians of every instrument.
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Hello and welcome to Playing Well! I’m Randall Kertz, a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and bassist in private practice in suburban Chicago, and I specialize in injury prevention, treatment, and management for musicians, a topic I write and lecture about extensively.
Designed as a way to let many frustrated guitarists continue playing, Rock-iT Barre was created to play guitar chords (and still allow for some fingering) for experienced guitarists who have developed arthritis or for those who have a missing digit.
To many people, music is simply a tool for relaxation, distraction, focus, or fun. To parents, it’s often just another after-school activity that keeps their child busy. But what many people don’t realize is that, if utilized correctly, music can literally change the human brain both physically and cognitively. Scientists in areas like neuroscience and […]
Whether you are a professional guitar player, play the guitar for fun, or are just beginning your guitar-playing journey with a passion to learn, music is a great outlet for relieving stress and expressing yourself. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind in relation to playing the guitar and maintaining your […]
Musicians know that music can help the mind and soul. Songs can help you express how you are feeling at a particular moment. They can remind you of emotions or events from your past. People have been using music to feel better for centuries. Over the past few decades, there has been more research on […]