In a reply to questions about carpal tunnel syndrome and other playing related problems I posted a short note regarding ways of preventing and healing these problems. I sent the note to a friend who is a serious computer guy and who is also my training partner (and, incidentally, who finished second in a recent multi-state bodybuilding contest). What follows is my note and his response. Hard cheese for some. The secret of life to others.
Unless serious damage has occured (torn muscle, broken bone), making oneself strong and flexible is the key to playing pain-free. Playing an instrument hours a day usually means holding oneself in a limited range of motion. Yoga or other forms of determined stretching can minimize problems that arise in this regard. Both Heifitz and Menuhin talk about this.
In fact, lifting weights properly is itself a great form of stretching, since muscles are contracted and extended fully.
There are fairly easy ways to strengthen muscles in the fingers, wrists, and forearms. Finger strength can be improved just by squeezing a small rubber ball. Finger strength also develops the wrist and forearms. Buy two pairs of dumb-bells-- one pair of five pounds and one of ten pounds. Do wrist curls and reverse wrist curls to build forearm strength. Your playing will improve as you gain flexibility and strength.
Forget the pills and anti-inflammatory crap. Not one of my gym-pals has ever developed carpal tunnel, despite the repetetive motions they use and the stress they subject their bodies to.
If you have the discipline to play the flute you have the discipline to keep yourself fit to play it
His response to my note:
You speak the truth to those flute people. I’m at a keyboard for HOURS
AND HOURS AND HOURS… Never had a wrist issue. Because my forearms can handle this and a ton more without breaking a sweat.
Nobody wants to hear something takes work. They’d rather just pop a
pill, go to some foo-foo-shee-shee “healer” for some bullshit, or just
give up… “I can’t do it.. I’m injured.”