X-WebTV-Signature: 1 ETAtAhUAyDSqjfENA5kMpGkpYt0zS5xJaCUCFBUZOx41xcZ8rC5KJCgb0eq3E+Zb From: seanmadig~ebtv.net (sean madigan) Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 13:56:33 -0400 (EDT) To: Sailor0~ol.com Subject: Re: Shoulder tension when playing In-Reply-To: Sailor0~ol.com's message of Tue, 13 Apr 1999 04:08:39 EDT Content-Disposition: Inline MIME-Version: 1.0 (WebTV)
Do you get tension in your shoulders and upper back when playing? Can anyone recommend the proper posture for playing? I'm a new player and may just be developing strength but it sure is uncomfortable (not painful so I'm certain I'm not straining my back, just tense). Rodney>>>
Rodney,
I have conective tissue problems, so I play by moveing my head back and forth quite a bit. I used to get the exact same problems your describing in my upper back. I found that stretching was a big help. Find some stretching exercises to do for your neck, shoulders, and back (including lower back). Do these exercises before and after you play. Also, try getting messages or laying on a hard floor. You might just find that your back will go...CRACK!
Concentration is also a key. Try to focus on a number of things while you play (easier said than done, I know). I used to put a piece of paper on the wall where I practeced that said: sit up straight, breath smoothly and evenly, and RELAX! If you get tense, stop yourself and start whatever you where doing over. Eventually, you will relax naturally.
On posture, its different for everyone. Pat Missin told me about a form of physical therapy call Alexander Technique, in which they try to find the right posture for you and your activities. I have found that I tend to try and sit TOO straight (bad). Try not to push your stomach out, it will strain your lower back. Find a happy medium of sorts. And, don't sit like you have a metal rod in you spine. Relax, but sit up straight. Try and have good posture all day.
