Sitting: Awkward Question, But I Need Help

[002517]

When I sit at the piano, and after some time during playing or practicing, my groin gets really hot up to the point that it hurts and I have to get up in the middle of playing or practicing. I think this has to do with my sitting position, but I don't know what could be wrong with it. Is this normal? Should I put an ice pack on my seat?

I'm sorry for the weird question, but this is a problem for me. I am a male, if that helps.

Thank you.

[cwjalex]

that's a weird problem.  do you play the piano with a cat on your lap?  seriously though maybe you should consult a doctor because that doesn't sound normal.  why does this happen when you play the piano?  shouldn't it happen at other times when you are sitting? 

[hardy_practice]

Not something I've heard of before.  Try blocking up the back legs of your stool by an inch or so to allow some of your body weight to go into your legs and to the soles of your feet.  

I believe C is the best position:


edit: found the page the pick is from:

The findings were significant. Flexion, forward bending, in the hip-joint and back was greatly reduced, preserving lordosis in the lumbar region. The final position (Fig. 8 [C]) with feet lowered simulating even higher seat and work surface, is exactly the same as the natural resting position where the muscles are relaxed and the body is in a perfect posture for "Balanced Seating", the most suitable position for long periods of sitting. Front seat tilt and higher work surfaces are valuable alternatives that can eliminate lower back strain and ultimately prevent chronic backpain. In this half standing position the disc pressure will of course be very low (Lelong 1986). Furniture should be designed to accomodate the natural resting position, in which opposing muscles are well balanced. The resulting posture will enhance the performance, efficiency and wellbeing of employees.

https://www.acmandal.com/

[002517]

@cwjalex:

I think it may have to do with pressure. Seats I sit on often have a broad area for sitting, so the weight of my body is distributed over that large area, and thus my body heat distributes over that area. My piano seat doesn't have as broad an area to sit on. The place which hurts is a fixed point, which could mean that the weight of my body is distributed on that point, rather than a broad area, thus my body heat builds up quickly at that point. So the problem might be the way I sit (sitting on a "point" rather than an "area"), or the seat which is the problem.

@hardy_practice:

Interesting. Do you think sitting in position C will affect playing?

[hardy_practice]

As I said, you want to shift some of that weight to your legs/feet.  May help.

[cwjalex]

maybe use a different seat/chair when you play?

[outin]

Get a proper piano bench and do not wear pants/underwear that's too tight?

[002517]

Ok then. I'll see how it goes.

[1piano4joe]

Hi 00257,

I have had this problem. I'm not sure but I think this is perhaps a lot more common than most people would think. It's probably something that not too many people would feel comfortable talking about, especially a young man with his older female teacher.

I was even joking about it to my closest friends that I know how Jerry Lee Lewis wrote his famous song, "Great Balls of fire" and especially the line, "Goodness Gracious Great Balls of fire"!

Maybe this is why he plays standing up? And jumps around and shakes wildly!

Seriously though, are you overweight? I am. I have a pot belly too.

Also, are your clothes too tight? Mine were actually too loose! The cut of the Fruit of the Looms did not fit my bodytype/size as well as the Hanes do and as a result I was experiencing both some pinching and some friction which produces the heat. Just rub your hands together just a few times and you will see what I mean.

How many hours do you practice? I sometimes get carried away and practice for hours.

Is it very hot and/or humid where you live? It can get hot here where I live.

Does this happen any other times besides when playing piano? It did for me.

I have, on occasion, resorted to using Johnson & Johnson baby powder. It works like a charm keeping you both cool and dry.

You are not alone, Joe.

P.S. In addition, you might want to experiment with bench height and/or consider using a cushion. A bedroom pillow works nice in a pinch. I had the local dry cleaners who have a tailor make me an upholstered seat cushion. Nothing fancy, just a soft foam cushion covered in some sort of material. In the meantime, a folded beach towel might offer you some comfort and relief.

I hope I have been helpful, Joe.

P.P.S. Personally, I never experienced much pain, just an uncomfortableness I would rather do without. You might just need to adjust yourself (if you know what I mean) before sitting down to play and maybe even again after playing awhile.

That's all for now, Joe.
 

[002517]

Hello 1piano4joe,

Actually, I'm not at all overweight. But maybe I should change to boxers? Haha...  

I don't keep track of how long I practice, but I usually get it after 20 to 30 minutes.

I live in Australia, so tropical climate. But it isn't scorching here, so that might not be the problem.

I'll try your baby powder and bench height and cushion advise. Great Balls of Fire no more! Hopefully... Ha! 

Thank you.