Here's a topic I can truly sink my teeth into. I have a friend who follows a shamanic path who shared a technique with me, one that is very similar. I speak here of the American pagan community, having no experience with any others. To further comment, I have noticed one benefit to my own health when drumming, aside from general fitness. Drumming seems to stave this off, as I can function without these effects until done drumming, and then have a snack or meal, without encountering my symptoms.
Dancers stretch before they dance as do other disciplines.
Some of us amateur drummers do not stretch - instead, we sit down, take out our djembes and immediately whack 'em. It's no wonder we have body ailments. To alleviate join pain, I have been taking Colloidal Minerals with sulfphur. What this does for me is eliminate the pain in my shoulders and wrists - but, does nothing for the tendonitis. Massage works wonders, too.