left hand pain

[david456103]

while i was practicing piano yesterday, I felt absolutely no pains in either hand. Then, several hours later, my hands started to hurt badly to the point that I couldn't move them. After I went to sleep and woke up,my hand felt much better, but is still a bit sore. Did any of you experience this before? If so, how long did you have to wait before practicing piano again?

[david456103]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that ONLY my left hand felt pains.

[davidjosepha]

I'd take at least today off. Then go easy the next day, even if you feel fine. If you're trying to play something well above your ability and are getting tense, that's probably the reason. Also, playing quickly or loudly with your hand stretched out is an easy way to get your hand to hurt. This is most likely the reason your left hand alone is hurting, since the left hand often has to stretch large chords. Playing for very long periods of time can also cause this. It's important to make sure your hand, arm, everything is completely relaxed when playing. If you're trying to play a difficult piece, don't force the tempo. Play it at a tempo that is comfortable and at which you can keep your hand perfectly relaxed. Speed will come as you play it more and it becomes easier.

Of course, I don't know if that's the case. I'm making quite a few assumptions. Maybe if you told a little more about what you were practicing, how long you were practicing, etc.

[david456103]

Thanks for the feedback.
Yesterday I was practicing Ballade in F minor by Chopin and Prokofiev's 7th sonata 3rd movement. The Ballade to me is very comfortable on the hands(well, except a few sections in the coda and elsewhere), so I don't think it's the problem. The Prokofiev, while I have to stretch and is not as comfortable as the ballade, doesn't make me tense up while I play. I practiced for about 4.5 hours yesterday.