NewYork-Presbyterian. The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

The Center for the Performing Artist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Comprehensive and Integrated
Health Care for Performing Artists

Our multidisciplinary team brings together specialists (list in PDF format) with particular expertise and experience evaluating and treating the performing artist with access to the extensive clinical resources of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Care begins with an in-depth evaluation, including a detailed medical history and performance requirements, and continues with a full range of treatment options, including rehabilitation for the particular disorder or condition and referrals to relevant specialists as required. Patients may be asked to bring their instrument or tools related to their art so that our physicians can observe posture, technique, and presentation and dissect the pattern of any abnormal movements or other irregularities.

Occupational Disorders of the Performing Artist

• Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
  A variety of ear, nose and throat conditions can plague a performer. These include sinus disease, hearing loss, throat infections, dizziness, changes in taste and/or smell, swallowing problems, sleep disorders, nasal breathing problems, and trauma to the head and neck.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries
  Performing artists, particularly dancers and musicians, are at high risk for a number of musculoskeletal conditions due to the repetitive stresses and strains on their bones, joints and soft tissues. Our colleagues at the adjacent Hospital for Special Surgery – affiliated with Weill Cornell and NewYork-Presbyterian – are experts in this area.
• Neurological Conditions/Movement Disorders
  Neurological conditions and movement disorders can involve the voice, the head, the limbs, or any part of the body. These disorders include task-specific tremors, dystonia — a movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions &mdash as well as Parkinson’s disease. Neurological conditions can develop at any time during an artist's career.
• Pulmonary Conditions
  Asthma, chronic cough, and shortness of breath are the primary symptoms that are of concern to many types of performing artists, including singers, dancers and actors, as well as sculptors and painters who can be exposed to different kinds of chemicals, sprays and toxins.
• Psychiatric Conditions
  Comprehensive treatment programs, including individual and group therapy, as well as medication management, are available to treat anxiety disorders such as phobias and panic attacks; mood disorders, including depression; eating disorders; and alcohol dependency and substance abuse.
• Voice Disorders
  Voice disorders can range from polyps in the larynx to a paralyzed vocal chord. Common symptoms of laryngeal disorders include hoarseness or breathiness, voice breaks, limitations in pitch range, volume or projection, deterioration of the voice with prolonged use, and chronic throat clearing or coughing.

The Center for the Performing Artist can coordinate care and provide access to the full range of specialties available at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center.