Arm and hand pain...

[leyton]

I am having a flare-up of pain in my right hand and forearm.  I'm positive that it came from practicing too hard, and so for the past three weeks or so I have stayed away from the piano.  But the problem is that the pain remains.  It's not constant nor is it really anywhere near excruciating.  But if I type with my right hand or even clutch a pencil and bear down, the pain eventually returns.

Now, a couple days ago I got a elastic band that goes around the forearm just below the elbow.  I am told that if I type or play while wearing it, I will not exacerbate anything.  I've tried it a couple of times, and I'm not sure if it's working or not.

Also, I am putting ice on my forearm and the back of my hand.

Am I doing the right things to let my hand and arm heal?  I have resolved to play more loosely and fluidly and lightly, but until I return to the piano, what should I be doing?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.  I know there's a topic similar to this in the FAQ but it does not really cover this aspect.  Thanks!

[xvimbi]

Because you've been staying away from the piano for three weeks and you are still experiencing pain, I would recommend seeing a doctor. Of course, it could be something during your daily routine that prevents the injury from healing, so you may just constantly aggravate it. One of the biggest source for problems without any apparent reason is the way people sleep. Often, people lie for hours with contorted limbs, and that every night. You didn't quite specify where the pain really is, but since it's persistent, I'd recommend having a professional look at it. Ice will target the sysmptoms, but not the cause.

Good health!

[Shagdac]

I agree with Zvimbi as far as having a professinal look at it, expecially if you are still experiencing pain at this time. I think it's equally important though to try and determine the cause of the injury. Were you doing something that aggravated this, that could have been avoided? The only reason I say this, is many times although it has not necessarily been an injury, during the course of practicing, after a somewhat long period of time, my fingers, hand forearm would be so tired it would often start to ache if I continued. I had this happen during a lesson once, (I had practicing since early morning before going)...as I was playing I turned to the instructor (my hand/fingers) were simply giving out) and told him "my hand is too tired". He asked me what I had been doing, I told him practicing. he asked me to show him how, and then proceeded to tell me that I was playing a passage incorrectly...that I was using to much of my forearm and even shoulder, when all I needed was to use wrist rotation more and keep my fingers totally relaxed. Within minutes of using his technique for this passage, I had no difficulty.

If I practice the correct way, I never have this problem, however if I forget I will begin to feel the ache in my forearm and hand again, letting me know I am doing this improperly.

The elastic bands may provide support, however will not aid or correct the injury. Ice is good for releaving inflammation, but some Dr's recommend ice alternating with periods of heat. Some even us ultrasound depending on the type of injury.

Hope you are 100% by now, but if not, seeing a professional would be the wisest choice.
Hope this helps.

s

[leyton]

Thanks for your help!

I think the problem may be rooted not only in my piano playing but also my typing.  Since I have a rather tense style of playing (which I intend to fix), typing a lot may have aggravated it.  However, I did do a short session at the piano recently, and I did a lot of the wrist rotation.  It seemed to help, because I didn't experience any pain.

In any case, I am going to see a doctor in the next week or so, and hopefully this will clear up.  Thanks again for the insight!