How Do I Get Out of Pain? - Playing Health in the Spotlight

Pain and injury related to playing a musical instrument like the violin, viola, or cello, or general pain and tension that makes practicing and performing difficult, can be common. In this episode of the Violin Geek Podcast, violinist/violist and educator Laurel Thomsen shares insight into the cause of pain and tension, and hope that it doesn't have to mean an end to our playing. But where does one start the process of finding the cause, unraveling the old habits, and getting back to a feeling of ease and joy? Tune in to find out and be sure to check out the companion video episode where Laurel demonstrates a variety of warmups, exercises, and therapies designed to target pain and tension in the arms and hands which she and her students have found helpful. Over the next few months, watch for videos focusing also on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, as well as the low back, hips, and spine. Enjoy!

Laurel's companion warmup/exercise video is available here https://youtu.be/YSXoh_Fn09E Please consider sharing it with friends and family members who you think might benefit, and subscribing to Laurel's channel on YouTube to avoid missing the upcoming videos in the series.

Show notes:
Read this episode in Laurel's Violin Geek Blog https://www.laurelthomsen.com/violin-geek-blog/
Listen to and download Laurel's song "Asilomar" https://laurelthomsen.bandcamp.com/track/asilomar
Information about Neurogenesis https://bebrainfit.com/brain-cells-regenerate/
Information about Feldenkrais https://feldenkrais.com/
Wiki about Ed Simmons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Simons_(conductor)
Video of Issac Stern performing shortly before his passing at 81 https://www.youtube.com/embed/xZgGli6gDHE
TED Talk with Tao-Porchon Lynch, the world's oldest yoga teacher, at 95 https://www.youtube.com/embed/oTmaTD5H0iM
List of musicians who died while performing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Musicians_who_died_on_stage
List of conductors who died on stage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Conductors_(music)_who_died_while_conducting
Theory about the natural lifespan of humans https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/humans-could-live-up-to-150-years-new-research-suggests/
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1572243759
Information about enzymes in the body https://youtu.be/dgJGmCmh9uI
Information about the benefits of making mistakes https://www.youcubed.org/evidence/mistakes-grow-brain/
Laurel's Improve Your Bowing Technique multi-media course https://www.laurelthomsen.com/online-courses/
Information about the benefits of smiling https://www.theguardian.com/society/2008/jul/27/mentalhealth.drugs

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Visit Laurel's website to learn more about her performances, recordings, online courses, and private teaching https://www.laurelthomsen.com
Listen to and/or download Laurel's new album "After The Fire" https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danfrechetteandlaurelthomsen/after-the-fire
Order physical signed copies or exclusive downloads of the new album "After the Fire"