Spinal and Shoulder Mobility Techniques to Prevent Scapular Pain for Trumpet Players - exercise 1

Hours of playing may cause stiffness around the scapula due to the effort of holding the trumpet.

When this happens both the dorsal and the cervical section of the spine tend to become rigid. This can quickly turn into chronic pain and injury.

Working on the mobility of the shoulders and spine is essential to avoid tension, to find release from overworking and for finding a better coordination for supporting the instrument during long hours of study and rehearsals.

I have designed movement plans for different levels, from beginner to advanced.

One key exercise I recommend is Puppy Pose, also known as Melting Heart Pose, that opens up the chest and mobilises the scapular area.

Work to your level, don't force it. It is never about the final result, rather about a process of meeting and undoing rigidity on the way to the pose. Also, keep in mind it is not just a warming-up pose or a cool-down exercise, it is not disconnected from your music practice. It is supposed to serve your music practice by retraining your coordination. In fact, once you become familiar with the process, it will then reoccur while playing.

The body will immediately recognise the pattern of tension and will signal to the brain, which will integrate better coordination thanks to muscle memory, so that all the muscles in the back will cooperate to support the weight of the instrument in a more appropriate way.

Kathleen Delaney ©