How to continue studying when...

... you have a dislocated finger (left hand, middle finger)? Its been about 2 weeks and its really been depressing when I have a piano sitting next to me but I can't really practice. On occasions I have tried playing with one hand, but its not the same. The recovery process is estimated to be 3 months, based on the internet (still haven't gone to a doctor).

Things I have been considering is improving my theory (mainly chords) and ear training as it is weak, but I'm not entirely sure where to start from (don't have a teacher).

I am sorry to hear you have such a problem, but why have you not been to the doctor????

Of course you can work on theory - even scales and arpeggios with your right hand, but ..... really, you should see a dr and have your hand checked out!

Good luck!

Ouch! That's terrible. I agree with Cas - definitely get a doctor to look at it.

Not seeing a doctor may not let the bone set back into place properly and it may harm your playing in future, I would definitely advise seeing a doctor

Self diagnosis, self treatment, self teaching - - you're setting yourself up for disaster.

Yes, of course see a doctor. How did the dislocation happen? How much force did it take? Tell those answers to the doc.

I once dislocated my left hand middle finger. I stepped on a slippery log coming down a mountain trail and landed wrong. The finger was bent 90 degrees at the middle joint--scary looking! My husband, a doctor, was with me and reseated it right away (ouch). I also iced it as soon as possible. Even so, I went to a hand specialist some weeks later, as some stiffness developed with healing. I needed to work on it for several months to get full flexibility back.

I was playing mainly flute at that time--really impossible without LH middle finger! At least you can play the piano with the other hand. But as others have said, do get to the doctor!

hah too true.

I haven't seen a doctor yet because my parents think its fine and don't want to spend the money, I personally do want to see a doctor and get my hand x-rayed.

I also was taught piano for a couple years before I could no longer pay for lessons.

I definitely do appreciate the concerns, but seeing a doctor or not does not change the fact that I still want to practice in a way. I am welcoming any thoughts or suggestions.

If curious, I dislocated by falling down stairs. My finger is still stiff but I can now bend it to maybe 105 degrees if observing from the palm. I try to do maybe 1 hour of activities without a stilt and use my middle finger in minimal things such as bending it voluntarily, picking up objects, or typing slowly. It seems to be placed fine (I physically bent it back in 2 seconds upon seeing it) as there is not a lot of swelling and no inflammation. The only pain that exists is when I bend it past a certain point, which I think is normal because I need to give my tendons and joints enough time to realign and repair.

Thanks again for the concerns .

Sounds like you're making the best of the situation then. If you're unable to persuade your parents about the need to see a doctor, (I recommend whining a lot) , just baby the finger as you've been doing. And if you can't afford a teacher right now be very mindful of what your teacher taught you in the past and get as much advice here as you can. (I know about not being able to afford a teacher.)

Do you not have insurance?

Go see a doctor.

If money is an issue, eat canned beans for the next few month. Sell the family jewels. Heck, sell your parents. (Only kidding. Barely.)

If left untreated, your finger might heal fine.

Or you might loose dexterity or even the use of it.

The consequences of that will be much more expensive than getting x-rays done.

ahchamna, your county health department or emergency room will have some kind of program that will allow you to be treated, whether you can pay for it or not. So, go. Explain the situation when you get to the office or clinic. It is the doctor's call, to decide whether you need an x-ray or whatever treatment is called for, in his or her medical judgment.

If you are in school, the school nurse may be a pretty good place to begin the process. You clearly need someone who is of age (at least over 18, or 21), and has some medical training and social work training, to advocate for you and to advise you.

Parents are not allowed by law to withhold necessary medical treatment from their children, but you are still a few steps on this side of having that decision made, formally. It will need to handled carefully (this is one reason a school nurse might be a good starting point).

If this problem goes the wrong way, the injury could dog you for many years after you are old enough to leave your parents' home. But I don't have a magic computer screen, to see into your life or into your parents' thoughts, or into your bones.

I can see enough to know that you need help, today if possible, from someone who is on the scene. I really urge you to seek that help.

Best of luck to you with the injury--- and with the bigger picture that includes your family.

**************************************************************
Clef

PS.
And don't practice with that hand until the doc says it's ok.