Accordion causing shoulder pain?

[MasonHerb]

For a few months now, I have had a lot of pain in my shoulder that I believe is originating from my accordion. I say this because it started after an overextension of the bellows arm while getting a little too "amped up" during a gig. Since then, there is a pretty intense pain after playing for dances which I most commonly do. I was wondering if this was a common issue really and what to do to prevent future pain in the future.

 

[Dingo40]

I was wondering if this was a common issue really and what...

Welcome, Mason
Regarding your question:
Yes, quite common.
It's brought on through over-extension and overuse: a form of repetitive strain injury.
The cure is, essentially rest and prevention.
So,
Don't have overly long or energetic sessions.
Don't overly extend the bellows supporting them at arm's length.
Do play seated whenever possible.
Do play opening and closing the bellows in a V formation.
Do support the weight of the accordion (seated) on your thighs (not by your left arm/shoulders).
With care and gentle treatment, you should recover naturally within one or two months!
Physio may help.
Good luck!
See here:

rsi meaning - Google Search

 

[JerryPH]

To help alleviate most of the pain...
1 - wear proper sized straps and make sure they are properly adjusted AND have a backstrap.
2 - play sitting, watch your posture at all times.
3 - Like anything else, don't over do things. Like any muscle, build it up slowly and over time.
4 - For continued pain... SEE A DOCTOR.

 

[debra]

The right straps and posture are indeed key to avoiding health problems when playing the accordion. A common problem is the left strap being too loose and not staying on your shoulder (but dropping towards the left).
Some friends of mine actually added a second back strap higher up on the back. (They then added a hook to the bottom end of the right strap so as to still be able to get in and out of their contraption.
I only had one case where despite my precautions my left shoulder started hurting after practicing a lot and that was with a Hohner Morino Artiste X S which weighs 18kg (39.6 pounds)...

 

[JerryPH]

I am looking Aton I only had one case where despite my precautions my left shoulder started hurting after practicing a lot and that was with a Hohner Morino Artiste X S which weighs 18kg (39.6 pounds)...

I am looking at one now (about 2-feet away from it and it’s a non-free bass), it is about 27lbs, cannot imagine FB would add 12 lbs to the weight?

 

[debra]

I am looking at one now (about 2-feet away from it and it’s a non-free bass), it is about 27lbs, cannot imagine FB would add 12 lbs to the weight?

I really checked the weight. The Artiste XS has a 5 voice treble side with 56 notes (A to E) and the bass side is the standard 9 row with 58 notes on the melody bass. The 18kg weight is including shoulder straps, and without travel case or gigbag.

 

[JerryPH]

The one in front of me was NOT and I was lifting my Morino and the Artiste back and forth several times... both were on the bench, Keith and I both agreed that my Morino was heavier but it makes sence... no FB on the one I was looking at.