Many types of musicians get hand, wrist and arm pain. They may believe it is caused by repetitive movement when they play their instrument. More likely the pain is caused by doing the repetitive movement incorrectly (wrong.)
And they probably don’t even realize they are doing it wrong!
I received an email from a pianist who was afraid her career would stop before it even started because of
the uncomfortable symptoms in her hands. I suggested that she:
1. May have a “forward” head. This can strain neck muscles and cause hand and wrist pain (and other complaints, too.)
2. May be stretching more than necessary to reach her keyboard. Extended reaching or stretching your arms forward causes muscle strains and other muscular issues.
She said she was very aware that she had a forward head posture. But, she said, none of her teachers had ever mentioned that to her!
That’s because the teachers didn’t know about the relationship of posture to pain and to a successful career. Neither do most doctors.
She was going to work on correcting her posture and looked forward to a successful music career.
While watching a high school orchestra, I was astonished to see so many forward heads, even when the musicians were not holding their instruments. You see, your muscles kind of “get stuck” when you hold them in the same position for long periods.
Some instruments may require you to use a peculiar position (I’m thinking of a violin tucked under your chin.) But many times, you began holding your instrument incorrectly because it didn’t hurt at the time. But now it does.
Try to assess your posture.
1. Is one shoulder more forward than the other?
2. Where is most of your pain or discomfort?
3. Do you have a forward head?
4. When do you have the most pain?
5. What can you do to change your posture when you play your instrument?
You may have to ask someone to help you assess your posture. When you have the answers to these questions, you are half-way to being pain-free.
You can learn to correct your posture by reading the articles at Simple Strengthening (<– click here.) Especially if you are a very young musician–you still have a very flexible and changeable body–you can make corrections that will help you get rid of your carpal tunnel pain.
A very skilled massage therapist can also help you “re-balance” your muscles and your posture. Look in the “Massage” Category here at Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief to find an article about How To Choose A Massage Therapist Who Can Help You Get Rid Of Your Carpal Tunnel Pain.