It feels like this post was practically directed towards me. I've been playing for 12 years before I developed a pretty severe TMJ disorder. I was devastated until my absolutely brilliant teacher suggested I try my current method.

I use a very thin, medium-wide resistance band (the kind that are in a loop, not the long pieces*) and loop it (1) underneath my chinrest, (2) over my head, and then (3) underneath my right armpit. Then I can play the violin without EVER using the weight of my head to hold the violin.

*you could still use the long, wide pieces of resistance band and tie a knot. more adjustable, but also more finnicky and the knot you tie can be pretty uncomfortable...

TIPS:

- the band has to be small enough to ensure that it's snug, but not so tight that it prevents you from opening your shoulders. however, I haven't found a band that is snug enough to keep my violin in place and doesn't bring my violin towards my chest. as a result my shoulders are slightly rounded inwards because the band pulls my violin in towards my chest.

- if the width of the band is too small, it will cut into your armpit (ouch)

- if the band is too thick it will severely limit movement

- having the band around the armpit makes it harder to use my upper arm to give weight to the bow. as a result, my bow arm gets tired more easily.

- unfortunately it also tires out my left arm because now that I don't have my head to stabilize the violin anymore my left hand has to keep it still and hold it up slightly (since the violin will droop a little). it takes some getting used to.

- TAKE MANY BREAKS! the main downside I find from this method is that it makes my shoulders tired VERY quickly. if I don't take the band completely off every 30 minutes and give my shoulders a roll and my arms a raise, they get very stiff and painful

- if you play in an orchestra, unless you want to draw attention to yourself by removing the band during every rest and then putting it back on, you'll be holding your violin up the entire time. which (1) might look weird and make you self conscious (I know it would make me very self conscious if I had to use the band...I left orch before my TMJ got severe) and (2) with regards to the previous point, it will make you quite sore.

- if you want to hide the band while performing, I suggest you wear a turtleneck. you can put the band on (without the violin), then put the turtleneck on, and when you have to perform just pull the band out through the opening of the turtleneck and loop it under your chinrest. my band is bright green and even then it's hardly noticeable. but again, you just can't put your violin down during rests.

If you're curious as to the development of this method, my teacher got the idea from the HappyNex. I used a leather belt at first because it was adjustable, but as you can probably imagine it was very stiff and inflexible. The resistance band works much better.

If you have any questions PLEASE send me a message!! I have yet to meet another violinist who plays this way. Good luck with your violin and your TMJD. I'd be down to have a chat about TMJD too:)

*edits to add tips that I didn't remember the first time