How to play the violin with a physical disability

Question

I have a physical disability. My left arm and back are permanently broken as a result of an injury when I was an infant. I can use my left arm but I am not able to turn my left hand/palm facing up without it causing discomfort to my arm muscles. Imagine twist-forcing your hand much further than you are comfortable with--that's how I feel if I really try to position my left palm to face upward. Given this situation, is there a way that I can play the violin? I have always wanted to play it. I am right handed. Can I play the violin by positioning it facing forward instead of facing upward? Should I learn how to play the violin as if I was left handed? Should I forget about playing the violin completely?

Answer 1

 Hi! So while you could still play a left sided violin, as you said, it would cause you great discomfort (more than you'd already experience when first learning the instrument it sounds like), if you're open to it, there are also right sided violins, so the hand that would face upwards is your right hand, your left arm/hand would be doing the bowing, which stays facing down. I fully believe this might be a good alternative for you, let me know what you think!