While strengthening where possible is key, braces and other forms of support can be helpful tools in the interim, or more indefinitely depending on severity of symptoms. There are other braces and supports for nearly all aspects of anatomy, but these are perhaps most applicable to the hypermobile musician. Kinesiology tape is immensely helpful and versatile both for support as well as increasing proprioception. Ring splints and thumb braces can be very helpful to stabilize loose finger joints. For the hypermobile neck, particularly during traveling, a cervical collar is helpful for stabilization. Orthotics are a useful step towards learning to support hypermobile feet (particularly helpful for the standing musician). A coccyx cushion is particularly useful for not only supporting hypermobile hips and SI joints, but for correcting the angle of the average chair’s seat cushion (this is important for musicians who sit while playing).

An added waist strap to your instrument case (if it does not already come with one) can be very helpful in distributing its weight more ergonomically across the body. Additionally, adapting your instrumental set-up as needed with added supports can be extremely beneficial: for instance, if you are a violinist or violist, using drawer liner to outfit your shoulder rest or shoulder pad for a more custom fit, or if you are a bassist, utilizing yoga blocks to support your stance. For the traveling musician (or for more everyday use if dysautonomia symptoms are more pronounced), compression socks can be beneficial.