Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

[HeartSoulandSpirit]

Hello LGM family,

I have been practicing and practicing and practicing and practicing and although I have progressed trmedously since I first began, I have also developed carpal tunnel syndrome  .  I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and what could I do to treat it?  Something has to be done as this is slowing my progress and that is unacceptable.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks and be blessed

[Fenix]

Oh ouch!! I used to have this but it just went away all ofa  sudden. My pinky would go numb and at night it would hurt like nobody's business. I am not sure what happened but it went away by itself and hasn't been back for a year or so.

[momuzik]

Go see a doctor.
Some people take glucosamine and chondroitin supplements which is supposed to help your joints.
The only issue I deal with is my left hand will tend to go to sleep sometimes when I play for awhile.

[blessedhammond]

There are many questions that will be asked that can help you that your doctor will definantly ask you concerning your injury. PM and I might be able to help you and help you get the most out of your practice sessions, but this is all pending on the severity of your injury.

[SoundofJoy]

I've played for 36 years and never had hand or wrist problems. Maybe because I use my fingers more than my wrist when I play?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0SZ7KFT8Sg

[teresac]

Carpal Tunnel is caused by incorrect technique.  I have mild carpel tunnel as a result of being a computer programmer for years.  (I have been diagnosed by a doctor.)  Last year, I aggravated the condition.  My piano teacher gave me an assignment which required a lot of trill like movements; I was so eager to show him I could play the piece by my next lesson that I practiced and practiced.  At the end of the week, my right thumb went tingling numb.  My teacher has been playing for over 40 years and never had carpel tunnel. He said I was holding my hands wrong and I was moving my fingers up and down too much rather than using arm weight.  You should have an experienced piano player evaluate your technique. If you use proper technique, you will never injure yourself.  As for the carpel tunnel, I went to the doctor. Luckily my carpel tunnel did not require surgery; there are exercises that help.  But mainly I gave my right hand a rest for about 3 months. I switched the mouse to my left side. When I had to use my right hand I avoided the use of my thumb. I avoided activities that required my hands to point bend upward from my wrists.  I rested my right wrist on soft surfaces (rolled up towel).  I kept on practicing the piano but focused on the left hand.  When I practiced with the right hand I  would practice for only 15 minutes a couple of times a day.

Thanks to my piano teacher, I am now able to practice again for long stretches.

[T-Block]

Carpal Tunnel is caused by incorrect technique.

And there you have it.  You can practice until ur fall out, but if u use the wrong technique it will be counterproductive.  How are sitting when you play?  Are you sitting high so that your arms don't bend much? Are you sitting low and your arm has an extreme bend?

Posture and height at the keys is very important.  You should be comfortable at the keys, like you could sit and play for hours and it won't bother you.  Also, your fingers should be the main thing moving, not your arms.  If most of the movement is from your arms, you are definitely causing harm to yourself.

[Fenix]

Posture and height at the keys is very important.  You should be comfortable at the keys, like you could sit and play for hours and it won't bother you.  Also, your fingers should be the main thing moving, not your arms.  If most of the movement is from your arms, you are definitely causing harm to yourself.

Wow, really? I have to go and re-examine my technique.

[T-Block]

Wow, really? I have to go and re-examine my technique.

Yeah man, ur fingers should guide your arms, not the other way around.