Fit As a Fiddle ─ The Musician's Guide to Playing Healthy

Dawson provides advice to musicians and teachers on dealing with medical problems and disorders caused by performing, with an emphasis on those that involve the hand and upper extremity, such as overuse, muscle strain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and hand injury. The book began as a series of articles he wrote for the Journal of the International Double Reed Society and The Double Reed. Information has been added, along with new chapters. He also describes the basics of structure and function, treatment alternatives, rehabilitation, and prevention. Dawson, a retired hand surgeon, is a bassoonist, medical consultant to musician's organizations, and retired professor of orthopedic surgery at Northwestern U, who specializes in performing arts medicine. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

William J. Dawson, a retired hand surgeon, is president of the Performing Arts Medicine Association and is a member of the editorial board of its journal. He also is a symphonic bassoonist and private instrumental teacher who serves as medical consultant to the International Double Reed Society and the Association of Concert Bands. He is currently associate professor Emeritus of Orthopaedic Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University.