We've talked about the need for a violinist's hands and arms to be flexible. I have especially seen problems in the last few years with regard to violin students who spend a great deal of time on the computer. Repetitive motion injuries are common.
One exercise that you can do will help both with wrist flexibility while playing the violin and prevention of repetitive motion stress at the computer is a simple wrist flex. Start with your arms extended straight out, then (keeping your arms still) flex your wrists so that your fingers point up toward the ceiling. Straighten your wrists back out, then do exactly the opposite. Flex your wrists so that your fingers point down toward the floor. Then straighten your wrists out. It would also be a good idea to try making your fingers point to the right, then turning them around to the left.
This is a good general warm up for your wrists and forearms. It is also an excellent exercise to perform if you are at the computer for any extended time. Take a break every 20-30 minutes to flex those wrists! Also, at the computer it would be a good idea to use a wrist support in front of your keyboard and on your mouse pad! |
