Is it normal to have shoulder aches when playing piano?

[the pianist]

Hi. I am new in playing piano and I only know a few songs but whenever I play any of them, I haven't even finished and my shoulders are aching and feeling numb already. It seems like my shoulders are tired and it makes me want to put my hands down in the middle of the song. Playing only 1 thing is already tiring for me. Is that normal? Do I need more practise or is something wrong with the hand positioning or posture?

[bwl_13]

It's definitely tension and while it is "normal" that doesn't mean that it isn't an issue. Speak with your teacher about it and hopefully you can work through some of the more obvious ways you're creating tension. It's something that pianists need to pay attention to for as long as they're playing the instrument.

If you play through tension for too long, you risk injury, so take it easy. I am mostly recovered from a nerve compression as a result of tension in my left shoulder. One of the most helpful things I've been told is to lay on the floor (on your back), your arms out to the side (like a cross). If you do that for 10-15 minutes after practicing it should hopefully help loosen up your shoulders.

[quantum]

As someone that is new to piano, a very important yet commonly overlooked aspect of playing is to pay attention to posture.  Setting your entire body in the correct posture will solve a lot of issues with regard to fatigue and soreness.  Posture involves the entire body, not just the hand. 

If you are playing on a digital piano, you need to make sure your equipment is set up to support good habits in posture.  It is far too easy to place a digital piano on a random surface (of random height from the floor), pull up a random chair (with no height relationship to the keyboard), place sheet music on the nearest convenient random object, and place the damper pedal on a random spot on the floor...and the list goes on.  Don't do that.  The height and placement of all equipment is related to your ability to achieve good posture.  Use a digital piano stand, use a piano bench, use the music desk or an adjustable music stand.

A general guide is that forearms should be roughly parallel with the floor, and elbows at the same height as the keys.  Ask your teacher to show you good posture, and if needed how to set up your piano at home. 

Sometimes aching shoulders could be caused by not having the music at the correct height.  It is a bit easier to remedy on a digital piano, as one can often just use a height-adjustable music stand.  Grand pianos tend to have the music at eye level for most adults, sometimes too high for kids.  Vertical pianos often have low music desks - eye level for kids, requires looking down for adults, for tall people it might require even more of a downward angle at the neck. 

[reflector-trifocals]

I actually had this problem recently and went to see a physical therapist and the problem turned out to be weak lat and neck muscles. The physical therapist put me through a program of daily stretching and lat/shoulder/neck muscle strengthening and the problem is now a lot better or nearly gone. I was very surprised by the reason and solution.

[the pianist]

Thank you very much to all of you.

[timothy42b]

If you are doing any of your learning from youtube videos, there is a trap you should avoid.

There are many videos out there with decent playing but ergonomics that make me cringe.  Your body was not designed to play with back curved forward and chin on your chest.  That's a recipe for eventual disaster. 

[quantum]

There are many videos out there with decent playing but ergonomics that make me cringe.  Your body was not designed to play with back curved forward and chin on your chest.  That's a recipe for eventual disaster.

Very true.  Some people contort themselves at the piano in a similar way they do when playing with their phone for the majority of the day.  It would take far less effort to engage in good practice ergonomics, but they insist on playing using very awkward positions. 


To be fair, there are great teachers on Youtube, Josh Wright and John Mortensen are two that come to mind.

[lousyplayer]

Yes, its normal. Playing piano is bad for your back and shoulders. Try going to the gym often, physical exercise is great for back pain!

[anacrusis]

Yes, its normal. Playing piano is bad for your back and shoulders. Try going to the gym often, physical exercise is great for back pain!

No it's not inherently bad for your backs and shoulders. It's good to go to the gym and take care of yourself physically, it certainly helps, but playing the piano should not give you back or shoulder aches. If it does you are doing something wrong.

[perfect_pitch]

Yes, its normal. Playing piano is bad for your back and shoulders.

WHAT??? NO IT'S NOT!!!

No offense, but I can see why your nickname stands true. Playing piano is NOT bad for your back and shoulders. I used to practice 7 hours a day, 6 days a week for a good solid 18 months and it never did me any harm.

[thalbergmad]

Correct posture in any activity largely eliminates discomfort.
I used to sit very high at the piano and developed back pain, but that has vanished now I have adapted to a healthier position at the piano.

Thal

[bridgetjones]

The repetition of octaves and large chords often create tension, reducing blood flow. Muscles become strained, causing pain and fatigue throughout the shoulders, wrists, and arms. If this pain occurs often and is not relieved or treated, more serious problems, such as tendinitis or chronic inflammation, can occur.
Here are some tips for you to prevent shoulder aches:

• Hunching or raising shoulders a lot while piano practicing can cause a serious problem. While playing piano, you must be aware of your shoulder’s position.
  
• Extended duration practices can get your muscles stiffed. You must take small breaks for stretching your muscles out.
• Keep your upper back and shoulders secured with simple exercises like rowing, arms rising, shrugs for shoulders. These exercise help in maintaining your posture and body muscles

[timothy42b]

No it's not inherently bad for your backs and shoulders.

Old post, but I wanted to add something.

I believe you are correct, piano is not inherently bad. 

But it is commonly played in a sitting position.  I don't think there's any doubt that sitting for long periods of time is something the body does not do well. 

Probably pianos should be designed the way desks are.  When I was still working I bought convertible desks for our employes so they could switch between standing and sitting.  Since that isn't really very practical for acoustic pianos, simply buy a digital keyboard and place on a tall stand in your piano room, then you can move back and forth between them.  This is good practice for gigs too.