If your problem is piano-related, however, the answer is very simple: in 99% of the cases, hand injuries (such as tendonitis) and pain/discomfort are a result of an incorrect playing habit (and the resulting tension).
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It means that youre not practicing at all for a couple of weeks and then you practice several days in a row, many hours per day.
Piano endurance is like physical fitness: if you practice only from time to time, chances are you will experience at least some fatigue (because your muscles/tendons are not used to this type of activity). In time, fatigue can degenerate in tension, pain and injuries.
The bigger the stretch the higher the risk of tension. If you add exaggerated repetition to the formula? You risk developing a RSI! Yes, even if youre doing your best to play without tension, with relaxed arms and wrists! Unilateral and unbalanced practice equals incorrect practice (and no amount of wrist relaxation will help you here!).
The exam/concert is approaching, and you dedicate your entire practice time to playing the piece(s) in the final tempo, from beginning to end, many times in a row, hoping to increase your confidence and technical security… Does this scenario seem familiar?
… and you will find out more (and learn how to practice a piece correctly, in a step-by-step manner including when and how to increase the tempo, how much slow practice is needed for every practice stage etc.) by watching the tutorials available in the Members Area .
Do you often practice in a state of anxiety? Are you afraid that youre not good enough, that youre not making enough progress? Do you tend to get angry with yourself, and to push yourself past your limits (not listening to your body, forcing yourself to play through pain and discomfort)? Are you always in a hurry, worrying that you dont have enough time for all the tasks that need to be done?Our emotions and states of mind are always reflected by our body. Mental tension causes involuntary muscular tension, which can lead to increased fatigue, pain and even injuries (not to mention all the other negative consequences!).
So if youre a beginner or yearly intermediate (having only 1–4 years of piano experience) and youre attempting to practice advanced pieces such as Bachs Preludes & Fugues, Liszts Etudes, Rachmaninoffs Preludes (this list can go on and on!), you WILL experience fatigue, tension and pain!Can you do a yoga handstand only after several months of training? Can you paint a masterful landscape after only a couple of drawing lessons? Can you be a professional pilot after only 3 flying lessons? Of course not!!!How to Deal with Piano Practice Related Hand Injuries and Muscle Pain?The 5 Basic Elements of a Correct Piano PostureThe Piano Posture and The Energy of the SoundThe Secrets of a Correct Piano Key AttackThe Key Principles of Correct Piano Practice: A Step-By-Step Holistic GuideHowever, if youre asking this question, you have probably misunderstood the purpose of my workout tutorials: they were NOT designed to help you get rid of incorrect-playing-related hand injuries they were designed to make you stronger and more flexible, therefore facilitating your practice, speeding up your piano progress and improving the overall quality of your life.
I will remind you that piano-related hand injuries are caused by an incorrect playing habit. Therefore, how can you solve this problem without addressing the cause??? Wouldnt it be silly to keep playing in a tensed incorrect manner and then do some exercises to counteract the damage instead of not causing the damage in the first place? Wouldnt it be much smarter to learn how to play correctly, in a safe ergonomic manner?
Doing exercises for getting rid of piano-related pain is just like taking a pill when you have a headache it might make you feel better for the moment, but it will not cure the problem itself because it does not address its cause! In solving ANY piano playing problem, we have to begin by identifying the cause (like I explained in the beginning of this answer). Then, you should obviously exercise but for the right reasons!
