Arm Pain While Playing The Flute Pt 5

Arm Pain While Playing The Flute Pt 5

At a master class in Boulder, Colorado, flutist Sir James Galway said, “There is no way you can get carpal-tunnel when playing the flute properly, unless you play sixteen hours a day”. Carpal-tunnel syndrome occurs when ligaments in the wrist become blocked. This is created through repetitive motion, just like improper use of a computer keyboard. A flutist will only develop carpal-tunnel syndrome from playing the flute if there is unnecessary strain or tension to the body. A flutist with small wrists, which is a hereditary attribute, will have a greater chance of developing carpal-tunnel.

Dr. William Dawson, a professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Northwestern University Medical School, has treated hundreds of musicians with wrist pains: “In my experience treating instrumentalists…only eighteen of ninety-eight performers diagnosed with carpal-Tunnel syndrome could attribute their symptoms to making music.” Dawson goes on to say that most of the musicians with carpal-tunnel syndrome are pianists who played with their hands too high off the keyboard.

Because of the number of musicians with carpal-tunnel not caused by playing music, people who believe they have it, should look at other aspects of their life for contributing factors. Improper use of a computer keyboard or any repetitive motion at a job, such as sorting mail at a post office, can contribute to carpel-tunnel syndrome.

The Alexander Technique is a method of learning how to rid your body of excess pain. If this excess tension is removed, the performer will be able to play better because they don’t have to concentrate on pain. There are a handful of balance points in your body according to the Alexander Technique. These points are in line, then the flutist will perform with the least effort possible. This method must be consciously practiced every time a musician picks up their instrument. If you wish to peruse the Alexander Technique as a possible solution, you should talk with a physical therapist that specializes in this area. A specialist will show you how to do the exercises properly to prevent possible complications.

William Conable, professor of cello at Ohio State University School of Music developed body mapping. Conable observed many of his own students and came to the conclusion that students who had a good perception of how their bodies work, had much more responsive and expressive tone.

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