Snow Removal Among Musicians Is A Legitimate Risk For Injury

…Or a good way to get stronger. ~Dr. Lou Jacobs – Portland, Maine

When winter hits Maine, musicians sometimes underestimate how much snow removal can sabotage their ability to practice, perform, or even hold their instrument without pain. Whether you play violin, guitar, bass, drums, brass, woodwind, or keys, snow-day chores can load stress directly onto the same structures you rely on to play.

Here’s how the most common winter tasks create problems, and what you can do to reduce the risks.

1. Shoveling: The Perfect Storm for Wrist, Shoulder, and Low-Back Strain

The problem:
Shoveling combines bending, twisting, gripping, and lifting—exactly the motions that aggravate picking-hand wrist tendons (important for guitarists, bassists, and drummers), bow-arm shoulders (string players), and lumbar discs (all instrumentalists)
(See biomechanical evidence on increased spinal compression: Norman et al., Clin Biomech, 1998). Also, don’t underestimate the risk of a fall. Watch this!

Do it safer:

  • Use a smaller shovel to reduce load.

  • Keep hands wider apart to reduce wrist torque.

  • Push snow more than you lift it.

  • Take micro-breaks every 5–7 minutes (for 30 – 60 seconds.)

2. Roof Raking: A Hidden Trap for Neck, Shoulders, and Nerve Irritation

The problem:
Pulling a long rake overhead tightens upper traps, teres muscles and levator scapula muscles already overworked in violinists, violists, flutists, and any musician who elevates an arm for long periods. This can irritate cervical (neck) joints and nerves. This irritation could lead to numbness and tingling in the arms and hands.

Do it safer:

  • Keep the rake as close to your body as possible.

  • Avoid pulling with your neck or shrugging—use your legs, mid back and core.

  • Work in short intervals; stop if you feel tingling or burning.

3. Snowblowing and Snowplowing: Vibration + Posture Issues

The problem:
Hand–arm vibration and forward-flexed posture increase strain on the wrist flexors, shoulder stabilizers, and lower back. Research shows prolonged vibration can aggravate nerve and tendon issues (ISO 5349-1 standards; Bovenzi 2006). Trying to “man handle” the snowblower by shifting the rear wheels with a lateral tug or pull can lead to hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries. How common are these injuries under that stress? We aren’t sure, but if your life is music and you can’t play or earn if you are injured, it’s best to be aware of all the possibilities so that you can be more conscious of how accidents happen, and how they are avoided.

Do it safer:

  • Keep elbows close to your sides.

  • Walk with slow, controlled steps instead of pushing from the shoulders.

  • Limit exposure to vibration when symptoms already exist.

4. Sweeping or Pushing Snow With a Broom: Repetitive Forearm Overuse

The problem:
Sweeping mimics repetitive wrist motions similar to fast alternate picking, hi-hat work, or fast piano passages. Overdoing it can inflame wrist extensors and flexors.

Do it safer:

  • Switch sides every few minutes.

  • Keep wrists neutral instead of bending forward or backward.

  • Use your legs and hips to generate movement.

5. Using a Leaf Blower to Clear Snow: Light Tool, Heavy Risk if Done Wrong

The problem:
Leaf blowers force the dominant arm into internal rotation and slight abduction—positions that aggravate rotator cuff fatigue and neck tension. For brass and woodwind players, this can compromise breath mechanics by stiffening rib posture. Generally speaking, If you don’t have trouble with the leaf blower to blow leaves, this is one of the safer ways to clear light fluffy snow. There’s no risk of scratching your car either!

Do it safer:

  • Hold the blower with two hands.

  • Keep shoulders relaxed and down.

  • Avoid leaning to one side for long periods.

Winter Strategy: Protect Your Body So You Can Play

Before clearing snow:

  • Warm up like you warm up for practice—shoulders, wrists, core.

During snow removal:

  • Work in intervals, not marathons.

  • Keep movements symmetrical when possible.

Afterward:

  • Gentle mobility for spine, wrists, and shoulders.

  • Hydrate—cold weather equals hidden dehydration.

  • If something feels “not right,” don’t ignore it.

Snow removal is part of living in New England, Canada and the Northern half of the US. But so is protecting your ability to play. If pain or tightness lingers, early evaluation makes a huge difference. In my office, prevention is always considered the best medicine, but should we find you with a need for “damage control”, we can help with that too.

Stay safe. Stay warm. And keep playing.

Dr. Lou Jacobs, Chiropractor and acupuncturist in Portland, Maine, has been working with and specializing in the health and performance of musicians of all types, for over 23 years. His work has been highlighted in Guitar Player Magazine, and his client list is extensive, having worked with some of the best horn players in the world today. Dr. Lou is always accepting new patients and offers tele-consulting for musicians outside of Southern Maine. Dr. Lou also works with families and is board certified in chiropractic care for children and  pregnant moms. Dr. Lou may be reached by calling (207) 774-6251 or by messaging his office manager, Sandra Escobar, at Sandra@DrLouJacobs.com.