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Thanks goes
out to a fellow musician who requested that a section on
stretching appear on this website. You asked for it, here
it is! (Under construction - there's more to come)
The following photos and stretches are
from Dr. Jameson's book "Repetitive Strain Injuries:
Alternative Treatments and Prevention." For a more
detailed description and for more full-body stretches, follow
the link on the home page to purchase the book.
General rules on stretching:
- If the body parts being stretched become painful -
then STOP! This is your body's warning signal that the
soft tissues are injured.
- Stretches should last about 15 to 20 seconds each.
Each one should be a slow gradual movement with the stretch
occurring as you breathe out.
- NEVER bounce back and forth when you stretch. You can
injure yourself.
The Shoulder Area
The above and below stretches effect the
shoulder region. Pull your body away from the arm. You'll
feel the above stretch in the back by the shoulder blade
and in your arm and forearm. The stretches below you'll
feel in the front of the chest - these are great for all
musicians, especially guitarists, pianists, and string players.
Forearm Stretches (below):
These stretches help to relieve tension in your forearms
and wrists. These are very important for any instrument
with a fretboard - especially guitarists. Great for pianists
too!
Perform these stretches below just like
the ones above - except go the opposite direction with your
wrist.
Don't forget to stretch those fingers!
They take a beating playing any instrument!
The thumbs are critical to stretch - especially
in guitarists on the fretting hand.
Hope you enjoyed the routine. Start doing
these daily and you'll see a difference in your performance!
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