Posted by olituba on November 03, 2001 at 03:20:22:
In Reply to: Back Pain and Tuba Playing posted by Jeremy on November 02, 2001 at 00:43:36:
Hi there!
Pain due to playing your instrument is an old problem, that has bothered loads of good musicians, many even had to quit their job! That probably was the reason for a school that I studied at to start a compulsory subject called Physioprophylaxis. That subject ( actually it was compulsory there for the eintire time of ones stay at that school) encompassed things like musician- specific muscle-training, strching techniques aou can even practice during a performance on stage or in the pit. Only those who know will notice! Yoga, Breathing- therapy, awareness of ones own posture, some Feldenkrais, some Alexander amd many other things. I´ve left that school 5 years ago, still try to keep at it several times a week and while noticing people of my age developping those pains, I´m still pain-free.
so, here comes the advice: do some sports 2-3 times a week(get sweating!) learn good and healthy streching, look into your own posture and that of yourself when holding you instrument. Shold cover most of the problems you presently encounter
Oli