Musculoskeletal pain, functional limitation, and perceived performance anxiety across artistic disciplines: a cross-sectional survey

Background Repetitive loading and sustained postures can contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms among artists. Psychosocial stress may complicate symptom experiences and the ability to participate in artistic activity. Objective To describe self-reported musculoskeletal pain, participation limitations, perceived relationships with performance anxiety, and openness to supportive care among artists and arts students. Methods A cross-sectional electronic survey recruited 100 U.S. respondents who identified as active instrumentalists, vocalists, actors, or ceramic artists. A screening item and 13 survey questions assessed practice characteristics, pain, anxiety, participation restrictions, self-management, and care preferences. Responses were summarized descriptively. Results Forty-six respondents (46%) reported current activity-associated musculoskeletal pain. Thirty-two (32%) reported having reduced practice or withdrawn from a performance because of pain; 39% selected continuing to play despite pain as a management strategy, and 22% selected consultation with a physician or physical therapist. High pre-performance anxiety (ratings of 4–5/5) was reported by 58%. Forty-one percent perceived a bidirectional anxiety–pain relationship, while 76% were very or somewhat likely to use supportive services. Conclusion In this exploratory sample, self-reported musculoskeletal pain was accompanied by meaningful participation limitations and a perceived psychosocial burden. Findings support further investigation of performance-specific orthopedic assessment and rehabilitation, but do not establish clinical diagnoses, causal relationships, or population prevalence.