Violinists have twice as much risk of developing pain in the neck, right shoulder and left forearm, when compared with pianists. Violists and violinists have a higher incidence of pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm than pianists.
Why does my neck hurt after violin?
Fiddler's neck is an occupational disease that affects violin and viola players. It is a cutaneous condition usually characterized by redness, thickening, and inflammation on the left side of the neck below the angle of the jaw where the instrument is held.
Do violinists get scoliosis?
Unfortunately, a lot of violinists and violists DO have pain related to some degree of scoliosis of the spine. Problems can show up as back, neck, shoulder, or other pain.
Do violinists have back problems?
The most common pains involve the upper part of the body: the back, the shoulders and the cervical spine (upper part of the spine). These physical pains result from an unnatural posture adopted by the violinist or the violist. They impose on their body a position and physical constraints that cause pain.
Why do violinists have a mark on their neck?
The theories of why the hickey occurs vary just as much as suggested remedies. For most, the violin hickey is a mark of pride, a battle scar, a badge of honor won only through hours of practice and performance—a telltale mark that the bearer is a true string player.
44 related questions foundAre violin hickeys normal?
One of the more common reasons these spots appear is length of practice time, making them a badge of honor for both amateur and professional players. However, this “mark of greatness” can actually be a sign of health problems. Violin hickeys are known to dermatologists as acne mechanica.
Why do violinists put a cloth?
June 11, 2005 at 04:44 PM · Some players use it for extra traction when playing in dress clothing made out of smooth/slick fabrics. Someone who uses a handkerchief with a dress shirt or tux often does not use one at home or in the studios when playing in sweats or a t-shirt.
Do violinists get arthritis?
Successful international violinist Fenella Barton first noticed symptoms of arthritis in 2004, but initially attributed them to other causes–playing too long, wearing the wrong shoes, or overdoing an exercise routine.
Why does my jaw hurt when I play the violin?
However, it is unavoidable as a violinist to not use the left neck and temporomandibular joint (or jaw) muscles more than the right. A right side bend stretch is one thing a violinist can do to alleviate this left neck and jaw muscle overuse.
Does it hurt to play violin?
Unless there is an underlying injury or one is playing in an orchestra where the chairs and sight-lines are inadequate, there should never be any pain playing the violin. If there is it tends to indicate that one is using the body incorrectly - no unnatural positions or movements are necessary.
Does violin cause hearing loss?
Violins and violas can generate sufficiently loud levels of music such that they can cause permanent hearing loss. This is typically worse in the left ear (the ear nearer the instrument).
Why does my face twitch when I play violin?
extremely common, and most students grow out of it. keep an eye on it, as it is often a sign of tension... but for some its also a sign of concentration. once what you have done to your brain in order to learn violin stabilizes and gets more efficient, it should fade.
Why does my shoulder hurt when I play violin?
Having a high shoulder rest might seem comfortable at first, but the higher you lift your violin, the higher you have to lift your bow arm. This causes tension and pain in your shoulders. If you want a higher rest for your chin, adjust your chin rest rather than your shoulder rest. 2.
Do violinists get calluses?
An important part of learning to play the violin is building violin calluses on your fingers. The reality is that the strings are rough on your skin, and if you don't go about this process correctly, it can become painful.
How do I stop my neck from hurting when I play the violin?
How to Play Violin Pain Free: 11 Easy Tweaks to Reduce Shoulder, Neck, and Back Pain
- Wear Comfortable Shoes. ...
- Use a Pad or Cushioned Rug for Practice. ...
- Use a Comfortable Chair With a Pillow or Cushion. ...
- Pace Yourself. ...
- Take Stretch Breaks. ...
- Reduce Tension: Breathe and Relax. ...
- Proper Posture. ...
- Proper Stand Height.
Do all violins have chin rests?
Some musicians can take any violin, use whatever chin rest is on it, and be perfectly happy. Most violinists and violists, though, need to find the right fit based on their personal anatomy and playing style. Head, neck, and shoulder anatomies vary widely, so when it comes to chin rests, one size does not fit all.
How do you hold a violin without it hurting?
Place your violin on your collarbone, not your shoulder.
Your chin doesn't have to squeeze the violin to prevent it from wobbling while bowing. You should instead be balancing your violin between your hand and your collarbone, with an even 50/50 weight distribution. The endpin should point to the middle of your throat.
What instrument is good for arthritis?
Hohner, Lee Oskar, and Suzuki are well-respected harmonica brands. Harmonicas are very cheap to buy, and even signature models can be purchased for a few pounds. A good place to start is a combined package offering a book or DVD/CD and a harmonica.
Do pianists develop arthritis?
It is not a piano-related injury as such, but it can be exacerbated by high-intensity wear and tear (overuse) of joints in professional pianists who practise intensely. Moderate piano playing, however, is often recommended as a healthy, therapeutic activity which keeps the joints supple.
Can playing instruments cause arthritis?
Instances of some types of arthritis among professional musicians may actually be elevated due to repetitive movements related to playing instruments or even lifting heavy gear. There are more than 100 types of arthritis that can strike at any age.
Do you need a violin shoulder rest?
Technically it is not necessary to use a shoulder rest. But it really makes playing a lot more comfortable. If you find yourself needing to raise your left shoulder to hold the violin, then you need a shoulder rest.
What kind of cloth should I use to clean my violin?
A microfiber cloth is ideal, but any soft cotton cloth (it can be flannel) should come in handy. You can use a regular cleaning cloth or buy a special soft cloth for your violin.
What are violin chin rests made of?
A chinrest is a shaped piece of wood (or plastic) attached to the body of a violin or a viola to aid in the positioning of the player's jaw or chin on the instrument. The chinrest may be made of ebony, rosewood, boxwood, or plastic.
Do professional violinists use shoulder rests?
Chinrests and shoulder rests are very personal and must be adjusted to the individual player. Also the choice whether or not to use them is highly personal. There are fantastic violinists playing without shoulder rest and there are fantastic violinists playing with shoulder rest.
