Shoulder Pain

jazzzzz8 · Mar 29, 2008

Hi all on another rainy day in the UK. I play Tenor and have developed a real sharp pain in my left shoulder blade. Im finding it too hard to play; is there an alternative way to play without the pressure on the back? The Tenor as you know is a heavy instriment...hard to play when sitting....I'd like to lay out on the sofa and play some blues to pass the time; again it is uncomfortable....Any ideas?

Thanx

griff136 · Mar 29, 2008

what type of strap do you use?

you can buy a harness that goes over both shoulders to spreadthe load so to speak. also you should not have to stretch up or bend your head forward to have the mothpiece comfortably in your mouth.

RiceBag · Apr 3, 2008

Hi Jazzzz8,

Although I don't play Sax, I do have some fundamentals to mention on pains as such.

1. Posture is a key factor, being seated or standing, each have a correct aspect to it. If standing, in case not yet tried, would suggest try a posture with one foot forward, and maybe open legs a little more, and bend the knees, but dont' be stiff, be bouncy. Your center of gravity to be between your feet (as close as possible), balanced. Your COG includes the instrument.

2. Also aim for the back to be as straight as possible, yet not stiff.

3. The best posture is not that of a statue.

4. The duration in which one engages into a give task. Often we concentrate on what we are doing that we forget or physical body and can over-strain it.

5. Learn and practice a little Yoga, in particular the Camel posture, and the Plow.

6. Can try meditation and its various Lotus-like postures too, for 10 minutes, or a little longer, on a gradual basis.

Best wishes!

RiceBag · Apr 6, 2008

Hi again, Jazzzz8,

I overlooked to comment, to what you mentioned, that most household couches allow one's body to sink into them, their seats being soft, and that your pain could be related to that, specially due to the time spent so.

When our body sinks as such, pressures result in nerve areas, some circulation can get impaired, and our muscles can over-stress and fatigue due to the lack of a firm support, and the extra effort into muscles and tendons to counterbalance the lack of firm support.

Might try putting over it a small piece of plywood enough for the back and head, with only some pillow lengthwise, or folded blanket, over it as padding.

Best wishes.