• Alternate lighter and heavier days.
• Schedule a lighter practice week once a month.
• Remember to cool down – it speeds recovery by 50%.
• Practice playing slowly in your head.
• Take enough breaks.
• Remember to drink plenty of water.
• Find a method of practicing that suits you.
• Make sure you set intermediate goals and stay motivated.
• Recognise physical and psychological overexertion.
• React to aches and pains with the correct self-treatment.
• Seek expert help in good time.

La dolce vita

Erja Joukamo-Ampuja and Jouko Heiskanen