The mridangam is played resting it almost parallel to the floor.
 A right-handed mridangam artist plays the smaller membrane with their right hand and the larger membrane with the left hand.

The mridangam rests above the right ankle (but not on it), the right leg being slightly extended, while the left leg is bent and rests against the hull of the drum and against the torso of the artist.
It is extremely important that the two sides of the hips are level, to prevent a habitual lateral pelvic tilt.
For a left-handed percussionist, the legs and hands are switched.

There have recently been reports of altered gait and in balance in those that play the mridangam for extended periods of time (more than several hours a day).
This is likely due to the different coordination requirements between the two sides of the upper body within the muscles of the abdomen, thorax, back and upper limbs.

Issues may also be caused by the asymmetrical leg positions at the hip encouraging a lateral pelvic tilt.
Musicians should also watch out for the torso leaning over to the dominant side to view the head of the drum more easily, which unfortunately causes uneven shoulders.
It is recommended that the musician sits completely straight, with hips, spine and shoulders completely even.
Wooden stands may help alleviate issues with scoliosis.

This can result in difficulty in walking and running efficiently therefore may affect the artists' ability to play sport in the future.
It is not known whether all round strength training, or playing the drum with the contralateral side of the body may prevent or alleviate these problems.
Therefore, it is strongly advised to notify minors and their parents of issues associated with the drum.

When played without care to posture, the miruthangam has the potential to have life long effects to one's posture, including even hips, shoulders and scoliosis.

Regular stretching, weight training and sports is also crucial for those that play regularly.

Physiotherapists are likely to struggle to treat issues because they are unfamiliar with the unusual nature of the drum.
Research on the miruthangam and postural issues are yet to be done.
The mridangam is played resting it almost parallel to the floor.  A right-handed mridangam artist plays the smaller membrane with their right hand and the larger membrane with the left hand.
The mridangam rests above the right ankle (but not on it), the right leg being slightly extended, while the left leg is bent and rests against the hull of the drum and against the torso of the artist. It is extremely important that the two sides of the hips are level, to prevent a habitual lateral pelvic tilt. For a left-handed percussionist, the legs and hands are switched. 
There have recently been reports of altered gait and in balance in those that play the mridangam for extended periods of time (more than several hours a day). This is likely due to the different coordination requirements between the two sides of the upper body within the muscles of the abdomen, thorax, back and upper limbs. 
Issues may also be caused by the asymmetrical leg positions at the hip encouraging a lateral pelvic tilt. Musicians should also watch out for the torso leaning over to the dominant side to view the head of the drum more easily, which unfortunately causes uneven shoulders. It is recommended that the musician sits completely straight, with hips, spine and shoulders completely even. Wooden stands may help alleviate issues with scoliosis.
This can result in difficulty in walking and running efficiently therefore may affect the artists' ability to play sport in the future. It is not known whether all round strength training, or playing the drum with the contralateral side of the body may prevent or alleviate these problems. Therefore, it is strongly advised to notify minors and their parents of issues associated with the drum.
When played without care to posture, the miruthangam has the potential to have life long effects to one's posture, including even hips, shoulders and scoliosis.
Regular stretching, weight training and sports is also crucial for those that play regularly.
Physiotherapists are likely to struggle to treat issues because they are unfamiliar with the unusual nature of the drum. Research on the miruthangam and postural issues are yet to be done.
Mridangam