Dislocated shoulder

January 16, 2005 at 01:17 AM · I'm sorry this happened to you. I really recommend this book, Playing (less) hurt, which is written by a professional cellist. She describes all kinds of string players who had accidents and injuries and how they were able to return to playing professionally. She has great advice for healing. You can get it from amazon.com.

Good luck! I know you will get better.

January 16, 2005 at 07:54 AM · Carmen, I understand your situation very well, because I've faced same problem, not with shoulder, but with spine bone. You will definitely recover, just you need time and patience. I already started playing in an orchestra. It's kind of painful but from time to time I feel better and better. Ask Buri, he knows a lot about Alexander Technique which is the best in your situation... and pray.

Good luck!

January 16, 2005 at 11:03 AM · Greetings,

sorry to read about your accident. Yes, the Alexander technique can help you a lot if the teacher is good. (I have to add that proviso these days- I am fortunate to have only met good ones so I can ask around from experts if you need to find someone). As for the rest, I did have a question. You are doing physio but not even thinking about picking up the violin. I belive there are alternative views which suggest the best way to get back to doing the isntrumnet is to work with the instrument itself.I offer up this very tentatively because of reading a book I think called the Musician as Athlete about a violinst who lost the use of her arm and went through standard physio and stuff , operations and so on and finally foudn a physio who got her healed through playing again and psychologically that must be a better option in some cases.

Perhaps someone can note the name of that book before I track it down for you. The writer is well worth contacting I think.

The only other point that crops up a lot is if someone starts pushing for an operation don"t rush into it. Get as many profesisoanl opinions as you can on that one,

Best of luck,

Buri

January 16, 2005 at 03:57 PM · Buri, I have wanted to read that book for some time. The author is Dorothy Bishop, "The Musician as Athlete : Alternative Approaches to Healthy Performance;" ISBN: 0969559003

I believe it is now out of print. Used copies are a bit on the expensive side. Perhaps a local library or university may have a copy that could be viewed before deciding on the purchase?

January 17, 2005 at 12:00 AM · Greetings,

its a good book but a large part is horror story and the rest could be condensed down into a few simple exercises. When I can find my copy I will go through it and summarize the key points.

Cheers,

Buri