Injuries

[jono]

Hi!
I'm a bit worried about getting hand/arm injuries, so I have some questions.
Ive heard that you mustn't bend you are AT ALL sideways (bending you left hand sideways to the left, and your right hand to your right), which makes sense to me. But I find this a bit hard to do while practising! At least when your hands play very close to each other, you really have to bend them a bit, 'cause you elbows are unable to move more together when they reach my waist/ hip (or whatever you call the sides of a boys stimach;) )
     I would like some advise about proper "handbending" and what the most common mistakes are...   It would be such a shame to injure yourself because of some stupid little thing, right?

[richard w]

Twisting the hand towards the little finger is referred to as ulnar deviation. If you put 'ulnar deviation' into the search at the top of the page you will turn up a few threads to read through. Meanwhile, try the following:

1. Sit far enough from the piano so your elbows will not collide with your body. It is very awkward to bring your elbows right in front of your body, but when necessary you can position them so somebody standing behind you would only be able to see the outer edge of your elbows or possibly find them to be just out of sight. (Don't sit too far away.)
2. When necessary, play with your fingers at an angle to the keys to avoid twisting. do not be afraid to play white notes in the black key area if needed, or to have your thumb beyond the front of the keyboard when it is not in use. Move your hand in and out of the keyboard to position the fingers where they need to be.
3. Sometimes, it is impossible to avoid ulnar deviation, in which case minimise it as best you can and return to the correct playing position as soon as possible afterwards.

Hope that helps.



Richard.

[jlh]

3. Sometimes, it is impossible to avoid ulnar deviation, in which case minimise it as best you can and return to the correct playing position as soon as possible afterwards.

Also, if you must deviate, realize what you're doing and make sure your wrists remain relaxed at all times.

Good advice, Richard!