Sunday, February 8, 2015

The Dangers Of Wrong Violin Wrist Position

By Beryl Dalton


The violin is one of the most classy string instruments, which sound is perfect for the orchestra. It is placed under the chin and held by the left hand with support from the shoulder. On the right hand is the bow used draw across its strings to create a sound.

The instrumentalist will not be able to endure long hours of playing, especially in concerts, if wrong techniques in playing are used. Correct violin wrist position contributes to creating good music out of the violin. Aside from this, there could be lasting drawbacks that will probably force an instrumentalist to stop playing for the rest of his life. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the deficiencies that may stop the music forever.

The carpal tunnel is the space near the wrist formed by carpal bones and ligaments. The median nerves and flexor tendons pass through this space. Flexor tendons are responsible for finger movements necessary in playing the stringed instruments. On the other hand, the median nerves send message to the fingers to feel sensation.

The condition carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve and the flexor tendons malfunction. As a result, the hands and fingers will not move properly, will feel numb, or will lose sensation. The affected part may feel pain especially during the night. Violinists need their fingers to coordinate properly to hit the notes of musical pieces they play.

Wrong posture, incorrect wrist position, and also wrong gripping techniques may also trigger this deficiency. The left part of the body of the violinist, including the left shoulders and hands, must be properly positioned as other parts the body may also be strained. It is necessary that instrumentalists take extra care of their physical health as they need to be fit in gripping the instrument and showing extra movements to entertain their spectators.

The collapsed position of the wrist is risky as it strains the muscles, specifically the flexor tendons. If the muscles are too tensed, the bones are forced with each other causing pain and lack of sensation. The correct position of the wrist is straight and relaxed with fingers curved.

Looking at violinists playing a musical piece may look easy and graceful, but they are actually exerting strength in order to avoid committing mistakes. They have to make sure they are firmly holding the instrument and at the same time, maintaining the right finger arrangement to hit the right chords. This may also cause physical strain not only on the hands but at the back and the shoulders as well.

These drawbacks may be inevitable to instrumentalists of stringed instruments. But there are different ways recommended to help them take care of their bodies. These include proper posture, balanced diet, guidance from professionals, and exercise.

Precision in playing the violin can be acquired with a lot of patience and dedication, taking into consideration physical health. Injuries or even diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome may be experienced without proper adherence to techniques, recommended posture, and exercise. Always remember that the most melodic of all music is produced by a healthy mind, body, and spirit.




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