does playing/ learning the piano hurt any joints?

tkachev

I have always wanted to learn to play the piano properly so thought I would ask if anyone plays/ is learning to play the piano and how it affects their fingers and wrists joints. I have some pain in my knuckles and my right wrist and wouldn't like to make it any worse or pay out for lessons that I can't enjoy.
I think from memory Sharmaine was learning. Sorry if I have got that wrong.

Elizabeth

stickywicket

Elizabeth, I used to play long, long ago when I was first diagnosed. I think it’s like so many other things in that it’ll be very good exercise for your fingers as long as you don’t overdo it and learn to recognise the signs of when/if you are overdoing it. It’s also great mentally as it keeps you focused on something other than the pain. If in doubt check it out with your rheumatologist or GP. Oh and avoid Chopin as you need extra fingers for him anyway.

cherrybim

Hi Elizabeth,

I couldn't agree more with Stickeywicket's post. Playing the piano is a fantastic work out for rheumy hands.

Don't worry about darling Chopin, you won't master his octave plus stretch until you get advanced as Stickywicket says

Go for it girl, it's a wonderful hobby to have.

Wishing you good luck and hours of enjoyment

Cherry x

tkachev

Great. I really want to learn to see if I am any good as come from a musical and artistic family.
Thanks Sticky and Cherry I feel encouraged now but must add Chopin is my favourite and hope one day to play 'Heroic' which I used to dance to.

Elizabeth x

tillytop

Hi Elizabeth

I would say "go for it" ! And be upfront with the teacher about your hands. I struggle to maintain the "correct" hand position when I play but I don't think that really matters. Also I think you just have to be mindful of not overdoing it and stopping if your hands/wrists/shoulders start to hurt. I found that 30 mins practice was too much all in one go and shorter bursts were better. I haven't played for ages and would really, really like to go back to learning too.

Really good luck Elizabeth. And I'm sure you WILL master the Chopin in due course!

Lots love Tilly xxx

caprica

Oo i'm getting back into it at the moment - used to play as a kid for about 8 years but havent in about a decade.

One thing I've found out is that if you're buying a keyboard as opposed to a piano, go for one with weighted keys. This basically means there is resistance in the key and you have to put more effort into the actual pushing of the keys, like in a real piano, but because of that you're putting the stress on your joints gradually. If you don't have weighted keys you slam the key down and then get a shock when you hit the bottom, which isn't good for the hands.

Good luck!

skezier

Hi Elizabeth,

Go fr it cus why now!

I used to play cus my hands stopped me playing a guitar but be honest the fingers and hands in general are now too slow... some of that's lack of practice, some age and some loss of dexterity to the hands.... be that brain or bone

Good luck flower and I do hope it will all help to keep your hands freeer. (((( )))) and nice to bump into you. Cris xx

tkachev

Thanks Tilly, Caprica and Cris.

I am feeling inspired now. I do have a keyboard so thanks for that advice Caprica. I don't think i'll get a piano until I am sure I will be okay to use it. I am also hoping to inspire my children to learn. If they see mum learning they might think they can do it too.

Nice to bump into you too Cris. I am not on AC forum as much lately due to children and having this persistent cold. A big hug back to you ((( )))

Elizabeth