5 Warm Up Exercises For Violinists To Prevent Pain and Injury

[@sammontev]

I've been doing these stretches for a week now, and I want to thank you, I've never felt so comfortable on the violin, I'm lighter to play, and my shoulders feel stronger. Thank you so much ❤️

[@violynnkuo]

Oh wow! That’s great, Sam! Be sure to consult a professional health care provider though as I’m only showing what my health care practitioners show me and it’s always better to get advice specific to your situation. 🙂

[@stemwaffle]

Just wanted to pop in here and say that I just came back from a rehearsal for a performance I have on Sunday, I've been dealing with some new tightness when I play for longer amounts of time without letting my arms "breathe" which is something I always incorporate into my practice sessions at home (every twenty min or so, just shaking out my arms and letting them dangle for a min or so), as it helps me reduce tension, but these helped reduce the tightness I had from a rehearsal I already finished, and I intend to start doing these before I start playing, so thank you!

[@violynnkuo]

Good luck on your concert! I also took a five minute stretch break every 25 minutes of my practice session today too. My concert is next week. 🙂 And I have been playing a lot of opera shows lately. 🎻 Let me know if things improve! Sometimes I make progress, but when I don’t get enough rest or do enough of my physio strengthening exercises, things can slide back.

[@debiethredge3020]

ty! Definitely would like to see a stretching video for after playing!

[@violynnkuo]

Hey Debi! Ok, I’ll find time to film that one next! Thanks for letting me know!

[@esthergiuliano6338]

me tooo

[@saraibenitez561]

@@violynnkuo me as well!

[@bruceedington2645]

I saw my Physio today and she agrees with you on warm ups before and stretches after

[@LynnKuoViolinWithDrLynn]

Glad to hear, Bruce. It never makes sense to me to stretch a cold muscle. It’s like trying to stretch a chicken breast that is frozen as opposed to one that’s thawed and soft.

[@Sonialanc]

So true! So much advice tells us to stretch when cold...no, no, no! Loved the warmup thank you

[@violynnkuo]

I’m so glad it’s helpful! Yes, why stretch when cold?! 🥶 Not a great idea, in my experience. I love stretching after a warm shower actually! At least then, I know my muscles are definitely warm. 🙂

[@catherinebutcher2773]

I’d love to see the cooldown exercises please ❤

[@violynnkuo]

Hi Catherine, I will try to find time to film a proper video of my post-show stretching routine but for now, here is a quick video of what I do to stretch: kzbin.infoRR6a4BEjndg

[@allysonmcgaha2324]

I’ve been playing the viola for 50 years now! I’m starting to have severe left shoulder pain. I will add these to my before playing gigs and practice. I will start seeing a physical therapist for my shoulder this month. Thank you for the great tips 💕

[@violynnkuo]

Hi Allyson, sorry to hear about your left shoulder! I was getting pinched nerves in my left side (which didn't cause pain, but weakness and fatigue). :( Best of luck in getting your shoulder back to good health! I'm glad to hear you're on a good path to recovery!

[@thennarasurc5515]

Very good Dr. LYNN KUO 👌👍👏👏👏🙏🌹

[@violynnkuo]

Yay! I'm so happy that you found it helpful!

[@edmundoleal3969]

Thank you so much. I practiced over five hours yesterday and my left shoulder was hurting as I went to bed, so I really needed this video.

[@violynnkuo]

Wow, that’s a long day of practicing, Edmundo! Glad to hear my video helped!

[@dongkim7282]

Great video! I have been enjoying so many of yours. Could you please make one on post-playing stretching, or describe in a comment? Would very much appreciate it.

[@violynnkuo]

Great suggestion, Dong! You’re right, that’s a very important topic to cover: post-playing stretches. That’s been on my to-do list forever!

[@bruceedington2645]

Thanks. Very useful. I would like to see the stretching video.

[@violynnkuo]

Sure thing, Bruce! I’ll try to make time to film it!

[@chrisebbesen5798]

Thank you Dr. LYNN YOUR A BLESSING. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE EXERCISES AGAIN. I GOT IMMEDIATE LAXATIVE RELIEF AS WE WERE DOING EXERCISE FOR VIOLIN WRIST RELIEF. MOST GREtful. Hope to see you soon, bye for now

[@violynnkuo]

Glad they were of help, Chris!

[@chrisebbesen5798]

Dr. LYNN, I THINK YOUR A GENIUS

[@violynnkuo]

Aww, thanks, Chris! These exercises are from my physiotherapist so I don’t take credit for them. 🙂

[@Lemonbonbon]

Thank you for this video. Im just at 4 weeks post op for cervical Myelopathy, which affected my hands and fingers badly so I could not play my beloved violin at all. 😢 Im starting to build up strength and control again, so these exercises should really help me when I add them to my physio. Wish me luck ! 😊

[@violynnkuo]

Best of luck to you in your post-surgery recovery ❤️‍🩹! I’m 4.5 months after my ACL reconstruction surgery so I understand. Be patient with your progress and hope you stay strong and healthy during your return back to playing 🎻! 🤗

[@violynnkuo]

🔥Check out my free workshop: ✨ How Violinists Can Finally Ace Auditions, Supercharge Their Practice, And Unlock Effortless Technique Using The Secrets Of Elite Performers ✨ Http://www.lynnkuo.com/free-class

[@chrisebbesen5798]

Once again many thanks Dr. LYNN K.

[@violynnkuo]

You're most welcome, Chris.

[@innatolstovaviolin]

You are amazing! Thank you so much! 🙏🏼🎻

[@violynnkuo]

Awww, Inna! Thanks so much!

[@richardlouis6017]

Thank you. I am ready to play now!

[@violynnkuo]

Yay! I’m so glad, Richard! 🎻 👌

[@JosephMusgrove]

Thank you for posting this information! This is a subject that seems to get overlooked. When starting to learn violin, I was experiencing soreness and stiffness. Started doing similar exercises before and after practice and these issues completely disappeared. Now, for someone like me who practices 1 to 1-1/2 hours a day, this is sufficient. For someone who practices several hours each day, I would also recommended an exercise routine when taking breaks. Another thing I found helpful with staying healthy and comfortable is standing on a gel pad when practicing and making sure I move my legs every so often.

[@violynnkuo]

Fantastic, Joseph! Thanks so much for sharing your insights! That really helps me and others learn. I’m writing from intermission performing at the Toronto Symphony… going to squeeze some stretching in before we go back on stage! 😅

[@elzbietavn]

These are very helpful! Thanks!

[@violynnkuo]

You're very welcome, Elzbieta! These exercises are given to me straight from my excellent physiotherapist, Ginette Hamel, who treats many musicians in the symphony, opera, and ballet orchestras in the city of Toronto! :)

[@KimiaKhavaninzade-qx4wu]

Hi! Thanks for the useful exercises. Do you have any recommendations for people who’re suffering from tendinitis?

[@violynnkuo]

You’re welcome and Happy Holidays! My first recommendation is to consult with a qualified health professional such as a physiotherapist. They will be able to provide a proper diagnosis of what is contributing to your symptoms and advise what steps you need to take to rehabilitate. And of course, continue educating yourself on how to do self-care such as warm-ups, stretching, applying heat and/or ice. Best of luck!

[@saea58]

Thank you for this video. I do really appreciate it. I thought that you mentioned a book in my 1st viewing of your video but could not find it. Please tell me again the name of it.

[@violynnkuo]

So happy to hear that this video helped you, Stella! I'm not sure if I mentioned any book in the video, but they were certainly sitting on top of my coffee table while I was filming! Perhaps you might be referring to me recommending Jennifer Johnson's book ‘What Every Violinist Needs to Know About the Body’ as well as her newest book ' Musician, Heal Thyself! Free Your Shoulder Region through Body Mapping' as I often mention her in my videos. You can watch Jennifer's interview on my Violynn Chats interview series here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp6xY3SEo6t0raM

[@artvesterdal5100]

Thank you friend….so I am an amature trombonist and whats worse is I am playing again after years of nothing. And my right shoulder hurts! Yes I am under a competent doctors care. But would you suggest any other exercises for the shoulder that moves the slide (right side)? When I did your exercises my arms and shoulders both felt great! Thoughts? Ps…ya 1.5 million years ago I played violin in the Suzuki method program in Calgary…LOL

[@violynnkuo]

Hi Art, I’m so glad my warmup exercises were useful for you! As for recommendations for your shoulder, the absolute best thing to do is to consult with a health practitioner as generic, over-the-internet will only get you so far… Best of luck! If I can heal from my injury, you can too! ❤️‍🩹

[@chrisebbesen5798]

The laxative effect occurred I THINK WHEN I applied left wrist to table. Ce.

[@derrinmuffoletto213]

🤤 ᵖʳᵒᵐᵒˢᵐ

[@ApplepieFTW]

The first one felt rather painful for me

[@ApplepieFTW]

Thanks for the video though nonetheless!

[@violynnkuo]

Yes, if it’s painful, please avoid and always ask a health practitioner! Everyone is individual. Happy Holidays! 🎄

[@AlvinRocillo-b7d]

You are so cute!

[@violynnkuo]

Ha, thanks! 😂

[@chrisebbesen5798]

.BYE FOR NOW ATTENTION SPAN RUNNING OUT