In this master's degree thesis I am researching the most common injuries among professional violinists, their common symptoms, causes and different methods to prevent them. The first part mentions arm, neck and back injuries, among which the most known tendon, nerve and spine injuries are described in detail, such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome etc. It also describes the causes and most common symptoms. The importance of positioning your violin in a way that suits your anatomy and having suitable chinrest, shoulderrest etc. is explained as well. In the next chapters I am focusing on different methods that might help reduce the risks of injuries, such as warm-up exercises, stretching exercises, exercises for strength, yoga, pilates and Alexander technique, as well as avoiding mistakes in technique, posture and organization of practice time. In this part I am also researching the importance of correct movements, posture, warming up and the correct use of the body. It also explains what yoga, pilates and violin playing have in common, as well as the positive influence that they have on posture, concentrating, and correct movements while playing. Some of the exercises include pictures. The researches show that mayority of violinists develop an injury at least once, however many of them are not familiar with this subject because we do not focus on it enough, furthermore, the rehabilitation process can be long lasting. The most common causes are incorrect posture or technique, unsuitable chinrest or shoulderrest and poor organization of practice time. The usual symptoms of injuries are pain and swelling. If an arm is injured, it's function can be reduced. Violin playing requires stamina and proper warm-up, which is why warm-up exercises and strenght exercises are essential, however, the violinist's body (especially arms) works asymethrically, which is why balance, even activation and stretching of arms, shoulders and back are cruical. The best way to achieve this is practicing pilates and yoga, while Alexander technique can help us use our body correctly.
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