Hello!

I play piano to a grade 5 standard, but I haven't been able to play for a few months due to horrendous RSI. I still have it, but I feel now, that after a few months rest, it's time for me to begin to exercise my wrists. Could any of you recommend any wrist exercises to do to build up strength? Or just any tips on prevention? Also, what pieces would you advise me to start playing again, preferably an easier piece to get back into piano.

Thank you

What's RSI?

I would seek the advice of a physical therapist.

Repetitive Strain/Stress Injury.

Playing the piano can be very physically demanding on the body parts (and the ears ). I've mentioned this on the Adult Beginners Forum, but I have more or less incorporated my piano playing into my normal exercise routine. I will play the piano about 15 or 30 minutes to get warmed up for my stair-stepper, free weights and sit-ups regiment.

Then, after I exercise about an hour, and the sweating slows down a bit ( ) I'll play my piano about 15 or 30 more minutes. It helps me relax and cool down from my rigorous exercise routine.... so, the piano playing helps me warm up and cool down from my exercise routine.

I think the key to avoiding repetitive motion injury is to build up to a certain point slowly and stop and rest when it hurts... not all pain is gain.

Want to see my abs? (Just kidding )

Rick

Thank you for replying That seems like a good idea, I may try it!

Leah

Regardless of what you play, start off in short increments, ie. 15 minutes at a time. You are, unfortunately, at a high risk of recurrence . What caused the RSI to begin with? If it was piano (GOd forbid), sounds like you need to have your technique evaluated and possibly altered a bit, or the pain will eventually return.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT (thanks to tennis!)

I agree with PT or you can google and see which exercises but ,really, the key is to change whatever caused it in the first place. Especially, if it was "horrendous".

Oh, and ice down after playing -and you should NOT be feeling any pain. Pain is NOT good in this case.

(note to Rick: ok, go ahead, post a pic of your abs, you're dying to show us- admit it! hee! )

Well, I'll admit that when I look in the mirror without my shirt on I like what I see!

I wish I had started my exercise routine years ago… I started it about three years ago and have lost over 50 pounds and my physique is better than it has ever been (abs and biceps ); my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are better than they have ever been and I feel better than I have felt in years. And, like I said, the piano playing is really a part of my exercise routine… I was not kidding about that.

So, the piano is not only a wonderful musical instrument, but it can be tool and a catalyst to help us improve our lives in other areas!

To the OP, a good recipe for physical therapy for repetitive motion issues is RICE… rest, ice, compression and elevation. Take it easy and work up to a practice routine that is right for you!

Rick

all that physical exercise will help prolong your piano playing years!
And...it's REALLY good for the brain- especially when practicing with the non-dominant side!

good for you, Rick!

sorry for the hijack...

On the original question, having been there and done that also, I suggest you check out the Golandsky Institute site for its info on ergonomic piano technique. I have learned that it's possible to learn how to play without hurting yourself and without having to limit your playing time--but often you really have to change your technique.

I don't think it's building wrist strength that's the issue--you want to be moving in ways that don't strain the wrists (e.g., not twisting the wrists, keeping arm and hand aligned).

Good luck!

piano joy,

I'm afraid it was piano, I changed teacher and suddenly had really bad wrist pains, I didn't play any differently, just increased the amount of time I practiced.

I'll start to ice my wrists then, seems like a good idea!

Thank you!

The Golandsky Institute site seems great thanks!

Hi Leah - Playing "correctly", I can play for 6 to 8 hours without feeling any strain.

But when stressed and not playing correctly, e.g., when straining to read music very quickly, or playing high velocity passages that I don't quite know perfectly, fatigue sets in much sooner, and if I push through it, injury. Tendonitis is a horror when you make your living playing the piano. If you play through it, you run the risk of truly crippling yourself long term.

Though this is a topic that more properly belong on the bulletin board for pianists rather than pianos, I also want to ask you to consider Peter Feuchtwanger's book and video. The book, alas, is in German. The video is in English, and you can probably learn his exercises from it without a teacher, though, of course, it's best to have somebody who knows the work watch you and make corrections.

I worked with Mr. Feuchtwanger myself in the summer of 2008, and he worked wonders with my technique. It took me several months to integrate his methods into my own, but when I was done, I found myself able to play at a level I could not previously, and with much less strain.

http://www.peter-feuchtwanger.de/english-version/piano-exercises/index.html

Thank you for replying Andrew!

That information seems great thanks!

Leah