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Please HELP: Left or Right for BACK problem??
Have upper back problems. Need to choose L/R. Which muscles do you use/strain in holding the violin most? Please help...
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abfariax22

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February 26, 2014 - 1:40 pm
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Newbie here. Decided to learn the violin! But I have light scoliosis. My upper left muscles of the shoulder blade are tense or in constant contraction almost. I was afraid that if I choose the regular (right) violin style, I'd be pressing the violin with my chin and left shoulder, hence tensing the muscles even more (not good for me). So my obvious solution was to opt for a left violin. But maybe I'm wrong? Maybe it doesn't take that much effort to hold/play the violin (muscle strength wise)?

Can you help? 

When playing the violin, which muscles do you work? When holding a right-handed violin properly, do you feel your shoulder blade or upper left back muscles? Do you make an arch with your upper back leaning to the left? And conversely, using your right hand to hold the bow, does that work your back muscles or shoulder muscles? 

Thanks everyone. I really hope I can make the right choice. 

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Georganne
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February 26, 2014 - 3:44 pm
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I have scoliosis too, s curve right in between my shoulder blades.  I can tell you that sometimes I practice so long that my back just BURNS, but it actually is good for us.  It strengthens and stretches those muscles.  I use a regular violin and can suggest you do too.  I also simply must use a shoulder rest.  But I believe both those things are also common for beginners who do not have scoliosis.  Good luck and have fun!  

 

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abfariax22

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February 26, 2014 - 4:19 pm
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1stimestar said
I have scoliosis too, s curve right in between my shoulder blades.  I can tell you that sometimes I practice so long that my back just BURNS, but it actually is good for us.  It strengthens and stretches those muscles.  I use a regular violin and can suggest you do too.  I also simply must use a shoulder rest.  But I believe both those things are also common for beginners who do not have scoliosis.  Good luck and have fun!  

Thanks for the reply. Now, when playing, do you actually use any of the back/shoulder muscles? Or do you not feel them? I'm not referring to the discomfort caused by scoliosis but simply if playing violin uses those muscles? Or is it just using your arm and holding the violin is rather easy on the back? 

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Poke

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February 26, 2014 - 7:30 pm
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Being a beginner as well, I have noticed a few muscles I haven't used before.

 

In my shoulder I have noticed a little strain recently, but just due to reaching around to the G string...wait that didn't sound right..but anyway. If you are able, go to a music store and hold one and see how it feels.

 

PS - I have tried several shoulder rests and highly recommend the Bonmusica one. It is a pain to fit in the case (unless you unscrew it) but it seats the violin very nicely and you can bend it around to your unique shoulder geometry.

 

Cheers,

Poke

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