Playing Without Pain: Advice and Accessories for Musicians
Neck pain after rehearsal, shoulder complaints during practice, back pain at the drum kit: many musicians know the feeling. But pain is not part of playing music. At Adams you'll find ergonomic accessories, the option to have your instrument adapted to your needs, and personal advice from rehabilitation physician Vera Baadjou.
Many musicians play through pain: that doesn't have to be the case.
Research by Vera Baadjou shows that 67% of conservatoire students experience musculoskeletal complaints: in the neck, shoulders, arms or back. Most complaints are not caused by playing too much or too long, but by incorrect posture.
Addressing problems early prevents a minor complaint from becoming a persistent one.
Vera Baadjou
Vera Baadjou is a rehabilitation physician working for Revalidatiepraktijk RAP, specialising in physical complaints among musicians. She sees musicians of every kind in her consultations: each instrument places different demands on the body. She helps musicians understand the factors involved and looks for solutions such as exercises, aids and posture advice. Small adjustments often make a big difference. Her scientific work focuses on improving musicians' health, taking a broad view of physical, mental and environmental influences.
Vera holds a walk-in consultation hour at Adams Music Centre. Have a more complex complaint? With a referral from your GP, you can also go directly to RAP for a more extensive medical consultation.
Are you a musician experiencing persistent complaints while playing? Book an appointment for advice.
Instrument adaptations for players with a disability
Some musicians find it harder, or impossible, to play their instrument due to a physical disability, a condition or an injury. Adams has its own production facilities and can adapt instruments. One example is converting an instrument from right-handed to left-handed. What else is possible depends on the instrument and situation. Get in touch for a personal consultation.
Why Good Posture Matters
Many musicians experience pain, stiffness or tingling during or after playing. A thorough assessment of overall physical health, playing posture and playing technique can clarify what causes or maintains these complaints.
A practical tip from Vera: start with a good sitting position, then bring the instrument to you. Moving your body towards your instrument often creates unnecessary strain on the neck and shoulders.
What Is the Correct Posture?
Make sure you sit or stand upright while playing. When sitting, place both feet firmly on the floor. When standing, place your feet directly under your hips. Gently engage your glutes and abdominal muscles, and avoid an overly arched or rounded back. Good playing posture supports free and efficient breathing, which affects tone production, dynamic range and overall endurance.
To open your chest, relax your shoulders and draw them slightly back. Keep your head upright, as if a string were pulling it up like a puppet's. Take regular breaks to relax your body and change position.
Tension and relaxation
Making music is a physical discipline, much like sport. You need your body to play well. Build a solid basic level of fitness. Stay aware of your posture, fatigue, breathing, tension (stress) and their effects.
Why Do I Need an Ergonomic Aid?
Ergonomic aids are designed to reduce tension in muscles, joints, and tendons caused by one-sided or unnatural postures. They help maintain proper posture and ensure the instrument’s weight is distributed across larger muscle groups, reducing strain on vulnerable areas like the hands, wrists, and neck.
Ergonomic solutions aren’t just for musicians with complaints—they help every musician play longer and more comfortably, promoting better technique and breathing. By reducing physical tension, musicians can focus more on their musical expression and technique, leading to better sound and more playing enjoyment. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Straps and Harnesses
For many wind instruments, straps and harnesses are the most effective way to distribute weight and prevent fatigue while playing. These accessories make the difference between a painful and a pleasurable playing experience.
Neck Straps
This traditional strap remains popular due to its simplicity and portability. A good neck strap distributes the instrument’s weight across the neck and shoulders, improving playing comfort.
Harnesses
For heavier instruments or extended playing sessions, harnesses provide superior support. They distribute the weight across the entire torso, reducing strain on the neck.
Supports
In addition to straps, various supports are available to relieve specific body parts and improve playing ergonomics.
Thumb and Finger Rests
For clarinet, flute, and oboe players, thumb and finger rests are often useful for holding the instrument more easily and securely, even preventing thumb pain after playing.
Floor and Belly Supports
For various wind instruments, specific support solutions are available. A trumpet stand, such as the Ergobrass trumpet stand or Trumpetholder PRO, can help with comfortable playing by bearing the weight of the instrument. This support is not limited to trumpets alone—we offer stands for a wide range of wind instruments, from saxophone and clarinet to horn, trombone, bassoon, and flute. Each support is specially designed for the unique shape and weight distribution of the instrument.
Accessories for drummers
Good posture at the drum kit starts with the right stool. Adams stocks three types.
- A round stool is the standard option. It offers no additional postural support.
- A saddle stool has a forward-sloping seat surface. This causes the pelvis to tilt slightly forward, reducing pressure on the lower back. This type is suitable for drummers who spend long periods at the drumkit or who experience lower back complaints.
- A stool with a backrest offers the most support for extended playing sessions or for drummers with existing back complaints.
If your complaints persist, an appointment with Vera Baadjou is the recommended next step.
Advice at Adams
At Adams, our specialists play instruments themselves and are happy to help you find the best solution for your situation. Whether you are looking for an ergonomic aid, considering an instrument adaptation or simply want to know which stool suits your playing style: you are welcome in our shops in Ittervoort and Lummen.
Do you have a specific complaint and would you like medical advice? Register for Vera Baadjou's walk-in clinic via [LINK].
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get neck pain from playing music?+
Neck pain in musicians is usually not caused by playing too much, but by an unfavourable head position while playing. Bringing the instrument to you rather than leaning towards the instrument avoids unnecessary tension in the neck and shoulders. An ergonomic aid or adjustment to the thumb rest can already make a noticeable difference.
Is it normal for my thumb to hurt after playing the clarinet?+
Thumb pain after playing the clarinet is common, but it is not normal. The thumb bears the weight of the instrument and is held in a tense position for extended periods. An ergonomic thumb rest distributes the weight more evenly and enables a relaxed wrist position. If the pain persists, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist.
What is the difference between a neck strap and a harness?+
A neck strap distributes the weight of the instrument across the neck and shoulders and is suitable for lighter instruments or shorter playing sessions. A harness distributes the weight across the entire torso and significantly reduces the load on the neck. For heavier instruments or extended playing, a harness is the better choice.
Which drum stool is best for my back?+
It depends on your complaints and how often you play. A saddle stool tilts the pelvis slightly forward, relieving the lower back — suitable for drummers who regularly sit at the kit. A stool with a backrest offers the most support for extended playing or for drummers with existing back complaints. A round stool offers no additional back support.
How should I sit at the drum kit?+
Adjust the stool so that your knees are at approximately a 90-degree angle and your feet rest flat on the floor or the pedals. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Hold your wrists as straight as possible while playing. Avoid unnecessary movement of the elbows or shoulders.
What is the correct posture when playing a wind instrument?+
Sit or stand upright with a straight back and relaxed shoulders. Keep your head straight and bring the instrument to you, not your body to the instrument. This prevents tension in the neck and shoulders. The position of the thumb rest also affects how the wrist and forearm are loaded.
Can I have my instrument adapted if I have a disability?+
Yes. Adams has its own production facilities and can adapt instruments for players with a physical disability, condition or injury. A well-known example is converting an instrument from right-handed to left-handed. What else is possible and affordable depends on the instrument and the situation. Contact us for a personal consultation.