Arm Pain While Playing The Flute Pt 6

Body mapping is your mental image of how your bones work. If you have an improper or inadequate body map, your joints may be working harder than they need to. As children we all had perfect body maps, but due to bad habits, most of us develop an improper concept of how certain parts of the body work. The body map is something that is learned just like talking or walking. Through experiences with your joints and limbs, a body map is established. Since the body map was learned at birth and then modified later in life, it can be changed. The first thing the flutist needs to do is develop inclusive attention. Inclusive attention is a state where you are aware of all your surroundings and your placement. For example, when a performer with a correct body map is performing in front a full house, she is not only aware of the stage, the audience, and the music, but also how she is standing, and how her arms and the rest of her body are working together.

If a flutist believes that his arm works a certain way, then he will use it a certain way. How he believes his wrists work is governed by how much movement he can make with them. If his body map for his wrists is incorrect, then he might use his wrists improperly. If a musician has pain in his wrists and understands how the wrists work from his body map, then the pain in wrists is being caused by another part of his body.

Everyone is different, and as a result, two individuals may have the same problem with two different results. Some players may be able to perform effortlessly even with a bad body map, or improper posture. Many flutists could benefit from body mapping, the Alexander Technique, or a simple exercise program.

To prevent complications you should always consult a doctor before starting an exercise program. Through exercise programs a musician will learn the physiology of his or her own body. This knowledge is just as important as leaning how to read music. When a flutist learns how his or her body works, they will enjoy playing because the pain is gone. Playing the flute should be fun, and when hindered by arm pain, it takes the joy out of playing. If your pain is serious, you should contact a physical therapist that works with musicians, so you do not damage your arm further. If you continue to play the flute, and your pain is intensified, there may be a good change that the damage is permanent. Arm pain need not coincide with flute playing.