Physical Problems When Playing the Violin
A violinist can develop physical problems for many different reasons.
Tension, pain, discomfort, restricted movement or muscular fatigue may develop gradually. A problem may appear only after prolonged playing, during demanding repertoire, or when performing under pressure.
Sometimes you know exactly where the problem is. Sometimes you simply know that playing does not feel physically right.
The purpose of a specialist consultation is to look more closely at what happens when you play — including the violin hold, posture, movement, muscular tension and the physical relationship between you and the instrument.
Tension
Unnecessary tension can develop in different parts of the body.
You may notice:
- Tightness in the neck or shoulders
- A tendency to raise one shoulder
- Excessive gripping
- Tension in the left hand or thumb
- Tension in the bow hand
- A rigid arm
- Increasing tension as you continue playing
- Difficulty releasing tension once it has developed
Tension can become habitual and therefore difficult to recognise.
Pain and Discomfort
Pain or discomfort may occur while playing, immediately afterwards, or only after a longer period of practice.
It may be:
- Occasional
- Recurring
- Associated with a particular movement
- Related to a particular position
- More noticeable during difficult repertoire
- More noticeable during performances
Understanding when the discomfort occurs and what is happening in your playing at that moment is an important part of the consultation.
If your symptoms require medical assessment or treatment, you should consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Posture and Physical Balance
The way the body is positioned in relation to the violin can have a significant effect on physical comfort and freedom of movement.
Problems may include:
- Difficulty finding a comfortable playing position
- Uneven balance or support
- Stiffness
- Restricted movement
- Fatigue during extended playing
- Difficulty maintaining a comfortable position
The way the violin is supported can also influence how the rest of the body responds.
Arm, Wrist and Hand Problems
Physical difficulties can affect either arm and may involve the wrist, hand, fingers or forearm.
Examples include:
- Excessive gripping
- Wrist tension
- Forearm fatigue
- Restricted finger movement
- Tension during shifting
- Discomfort during fingering
- Excessive pressure
- Difficulty maintaining freedom of movement
The problem may involve more than the area where you feel the discomfort.
The Violin Hold
The way a violin is supported is an important part of the physical relationship between player and instrument.
There is not necessarily one correct method that is appropriate for every violinist.
My own experience includes playing and teaching both with and without a shoulder rest, as well as experience with different traditions of violin playing.
The aim is not to impose a particular setup.
The aim is to understand what is happening for the individual player.
Muscle Tension and Fatigue
Some violinists find that they become physically tired surprisingly quickly when playing.
You may experience:
- Muscle fatigue
- Heaviness
- Stiffness
- Loss of freedom
- Increasing tension during practice
- Reduced physical comfort during performances
The consultation looks at when the fatigue develops and what is happening physically while you play.
Restricted Movement
A physical problem may feel like a restriction in a particular movement.
This can affect:
- Shifting
- Vibrato
- Bowing
- String crossings
- Position changes
- Left-hand movement
- Right-arm movement
- Head and neck movement
Rather than looking at the movement in isolation, the relationship between the instrument, the body and the whole playing position is considered.
Recurring Problems
Some problems improve temporarily and then return.
You may already have tried changing:
- Your playing position
- Your equipment
- Your practice routine
- The way you hold the violin
- The amount of time you practise
- Your approach to relaxation
If a problem continues to return, it can be useful to examine what actually happens during playing.
Problems During Performance
Some violinists experience relatively little difficulty during normal practice but develop physical problems during:
- Performances
- Auditions
- Rehearsals
- Recordings
- Competitions
- Demanding repertoire
- Long playing sessions
Increased concentration, physical demand or performance pressure can change the way the body responds.
Professional violinists and soloists can find more information here:
Professional Violinists and Soloists →
For Violinists at Every Level
These problems are not limited to professional players.
The service is for beginners, amateur violinists, advanced players, professionals and soloists.
The level at which you play is less important than the physical problem you are experiencing.
A Medical Boundary
This service is not medical diagnosis, physiotherapy or medical treatment.
If you have significant pain, an injury, neurological symptoms or another condition requiring medical attention, you should consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
The consultation focuses on the relationship between your physical experience and the way you play the violin.