Piano Playing Aches and Pains

Ow, ow OW!! I used to get very sore hands when I was younger and practicing hours and hours per day. I would push my hands to their very limit, and further, ending up with sore fingertips, achy palm muscles, achy finger muscles, sore wrists and sore forearms. At its worst, I would have to skip a day of practicing. I think I was lucky, because I never injured my hands. I know that others have not been as lucky.

Piano is indeed an athletic activity, especially if you are playing music with alot of chords or music that is very fast. In order to play safely, it is important to know how to take care of your hands, just as an athlete takes care of his or her feet, ankles, leg muscles, etc., with proper warm up and other techniques.

Below are some tips for handling the athletic side of playing the piano. These points are suggestions and do not guarantee anything. You should always use common sense and never do anything that hurts your hands.

How to Warm Up
* Alternately squeeze your hands into a fist then stretch them wide open.
* Play a few easier pieces, each a little more difficult than the one before.
* Soak your hands in warm water if they are cold.

No Nos
* Don't begin to play when your hands are cold, as if you had been outside in the cold.
* Don't study music that is beyond your technical ability, especially if it requires big stretches or playing chords very loudly.
* Don't do activities that require you to hold your hand in one position for a long time, such as pulling on a rope (for a long time) or sitting on your hands, especially if you will be playing the piano soon afterward.

Signs That It's Time to Stop Playing
* Your hands hurt(more than just sore or tired).
* Your hands feel like Jello - you can't control your fingers very well anymore.
* Your hands begin to tremble.

First Aid
* If this doesn't hurt, slowly, alternately squeeze your hands into a fist then stretch them wide open.
* Take a few days off from playing to give your hands a rest.
* Soak your hands in warm water.
* Massage your muscles very gently.
* See a doctor if your hands don't get better.

Go To Page: 1