Playing fitness for the cello

Playing the cello is highly demanding on your body. It's important to treat yourself with the same care that an athlete might take.

There are as diverse a number of problems that can arise as there are cellists; from the odd ache or pain, to more serious issues with muscles or nerves. The most important defence against injury or general wear-and-tear is your teacher. An experienced teacher will help make sure that technique is tailored to each student so that their playing is as naturaland sustainable as possible.

However there are some more general things that you can try, to help prevent injury or just to improve your posture, and therefore your technique:

Alexander Technique - for raising overall awareness of how the skeleton works, and the most natural ways of moving

Osteopathy - for correction and/or relaxation of particular muscular and ligament issues

Physiotherapy - perhaps for more pronounced issues, physiotherapists can give you exercises tailored to help any long-term aches and injuries

Finally, the importance of overall fitness cannot be stressed enough. Playing the cello really will take its toll on your body, so make sure to stretch before and during playing - the arms, shoulders and particularly fingers. Sport will also help you by maintaining strength and flexibility - swimming is a particularly good place to start.