Persistent Shoulder Pain in Professional Violinists or Cellists

Q1: Why do professional violinists or cellists often develop persistent shoulder pain?
A1: Playing string instruments requires repetitive arm elevation, sustained posture, and shoulder muscle engagement. Over time, this can strain the rotator cuff, tendons, and shoulder muscles, resulting in persistent pain.

Q2: What are the common symptoms in this group?
A2: Symptoms include aching, stiffness, restricted range of motion, and fatigue in the shoulder, often worsened after long practice sessions or performances. Pain may also interfere with technique or instrument handling.

Q3: What short-term or common remedies do musicians usually try first?
A3: Many try:

• Plasters or shoulder supports for temporary relief.
• Analgesic gels or creams to reduce soreness.
• Pharmaceutical painkillers such as NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors.
• Acupuncture, which may temporarily relieve muscle tension.
• Physiotherapy, focusing on posture, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises.

While these can provide temporary relief, they may not fully address chronic strain from repetitive movements.

Q4: How does The Pain Relief Clinic approach shoulder pain differently?
A4: The Pain Relief Clinic emphasizes non-invasive technology, including HotHeal Therapy, shockwave therapy, and targeted physiotherapy, designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and support long-term shoulder health. Their stress-free process provides fast access to diagnostics like MRI. Eligible Singaporeans, permanent residents, and some international patients may use cashless services, removing large upfront payments and enabling musicians to focus on effective treatment.

Q5: What preventive measures can help reduce shoulder pain for musicians?
A5: Recommendations include posture correction, shoulder and upper back strengthening, stretching between practice sessions, and taking breaks to avoid overuse.

Q6: Who is this treatment suitable for?
A6: This approach is ideal for professional violinists or cellists experiencing persistent shoulder pain, who want non-invasive, effective relief, stress-free access to diagnostics and treatment, and possibly cashless billing if eligible.