Forearm pains

[pianoguy1234]

For the past few weeks i have been getting painful forearms and shakey fingers when playing. What could it be? and if its technique (lack of) which i personally think it is, What can be done to improve it. I dont have a teacher and i also am not looking for one at this moment in time, maybe in the future.

Thanks

[thalbergmad]

Well, whatever it is, it is probably time to take a rest.

I have had this before, and whilst it might be a technical problem, it could also be down to over practising.

You say you are not looking for a teacher, but i think you should do so without delay. You might have developed bad habits which will take longer to cure the longer you leave it.

If this continues even with rest, i would be obliged to see a doctor to rule out trapped nerve, carpal tunnel etc..........

Thal

[pianoguy1234]

Well, whatever it is, it is probably time to take a rest.

I have had this before, and whilst it might be a technical problem, it could also be down to over practising.

You say you are not looking for a teacher, but i think you should do so without delay. You might have developed bad habits which will take longer to cure the longer you leave it.

If this continues even with rest, i would be obliged to see a doctor to rule out trapped nerve, carpal tunnel etc..........

Thal

Thanks - Yes i think i do over practice

[thalbergmad]

There have been a few million words written on this subject before, by people much more knowedgable than I.

If you use the search function, you will undoubtedly get some very good tips.

On Sundays, i exercise my forearms by lifting pints of beer. I find this works wonders.

Thal

[ahinton]

Wise advice, Thal - well, almost all of it except the last bit, that is (and surely you exercise only one of your arms in lifting full beer glasses, do you not?!); it's like any other physical bad habit that's left unchecked with its effects unmonitored - the most likely outcome is that matters get worse.

Best,

Alistair

[flashcat]

In addition to the dreaded carpul tunnel, it could also be tendonitis. I get that at certain times of the year when I am performing more often than usual. For some strange reason I find relief by putting heat on my shoulder and, of course, resting the arm as possible. My doctor's wife is a musician, so he is very undertstanding of musicians' worrying over every potential injury.