How delicate is the Hand?

[emmas_dad]

Reading through these posts, I see so many regarding injuries from playing. Is the hand really so delicate? Is it really that easy to injure yourself while playing? I mean, just playing, not with any Schumann-esque apurtenances attached to your fingers.

I guess these posts are making me a little paranoid.

[richard black]

About the only injuries you can do suddenly while playing are breaking a fingernail by getting it stuck down the front of a black key, and tearing a muscle by slamming a chord down ridiculously hard. Both are extremely rare. Most pianist injuries are cumulative, caused by years of repetitive movements with not enough general relaxation and other exercise in between. Some opinions hold that these can be avoided by 'correct technique', others argue that some pianists are just unlucky and prone to such misfortunes while others are lucky and play hour after hour, year after year, with no ill effects.

[emmas_dad]

Thanks. That makes sense. Of course, the questions arise, what is/are the correct technique(s)? How can you tell if your hands, wrists, etc. are relaxed?

[zheer]

. Of course, the questions arise, what is/are the correct technique(s)? How can you tell if your hands, wrists, etc. are relaxed?

  Some people know it from birth, others learn it from good teachers.

[dan101]

I wouldn't live in fear of injury. Having said that, knowing the signs of a 'bad' pain is essential. If you feel sudden sharpness of pain, then immediately stop before you pull something.

Then there's the 'no pain, no gain' type of pain, where you feel a tired, achy muscle sensation. This type of building of strength, stamina and power is normal.

A good deal of common sense comes in to play here, along with the assistance of an alert and informed teacher.

Good luck.

[le_poete_mourant]

One of the things we try to avoid as pianists is tension.  Relaxed piano playing gives you a better sound, better stage presence, and better health in the long run. 

Leon Fleisher lost the use of his right hand largely because he was practicing the Wanderer Fantasy eight hours a day and the repetition of bad habits built up. 

On the other hand, I believe Gary Graffman was out of commission for a while simply because he was giving about 100 concerts a year at one point and the stress and strain of that took its toll. 

Then again, Schumann inflicted a hand injury on himself by inventing a weighted machine to help stretch his hand span.  Wouldn't recommend that. 

I guess my point is, yes the hand is delicate, but if you take good care of it then that's the least of your worries physically. 

[invictious]

Right now I am working as an intern for a surgeon, who specializes in hand surgery. I have learned alot about the hand (CTS, tendonitis etc), and I think that it has further enabled me to develop my piano technique.

The first sign of bad technique is pain. The moment you feel pain, stop, you are doing it wrong. Pain is a sign of excessive stress.

Second sign would be fatigue. Relaxation improves technique, tension hinders technique.

Other than that...can't think of much.