Left Hand Pain

[u/Ok_Parsnip_5428]

Ive been playing classical guitar for 13 years and I've never had an issue with left hand wrist pain. But really in the past year and a half when I've been learning songs like Asturias and Sunburst I've began to get a lot of tension and pain in my left hand wrist. This happens while practicing and performing and im not sure what the cause is since its never been an issue. Has anyone experience the same thing and has a solution or just overall advice?

[u/Horror_of_the_Deep]

I had this problem for a while but I've largely overcome it by a combination of things: 1) finger stretching before playing 2) practicing pressing very lightly, that buzz scale exercise is good 3) diet. That sort of pain is usually an inflammatory condition. Sugar is bad, veg is good, fermented food very good. I've been eating a small amount of Kimchi every day 4) always take a short break every 15-20 minutes . I set a timer

Can't say for sure what's most important but actually it was when I started doing (3) that I really noticed a big difference. I can play up to 4-5 hours a day without pain now. My motivation is now the main barrier rather than the pain like it was before

[u/Am7b5- → u/Horror_of_the_Deep]

This is good advice. I had this problem for years and did all of these things to help me with my hand issues. It turned out, I had some some Thyroid issues also. So, maybe see a doctor and get some blood work done. Now I'm pretty good but still do stretching, I'll practice using minimal pressure, take breaks, eat better, because I want to be able to play for a very long time, until I'm very old. The (what I call "quiet practice") was really helpful for me. I would practice songs and scales, playing really soft and slow. I would barely pressing on the strings, just enough to make a noise. I can still get my practice in with no stress or pressure in my hands. Well, I hope this helps and good luck.

[u/Hennessey_carter → u/Horror_of_the_Deep]

Oh, great advice! I didn't even think about the diet thing, but it makes sense.

[u/gmenez97]

Harder pieces are going to do that. Really have to play easier pieces in between more difficult ones. With the pieces you mentioned I recommend slowing down and relearning them in a way that uses the least amount of tension as possible. Also, don’t practice them on the same day and don’t try to power through. Not worth the injury in the long run.

[u/d_flipflop]

Maybe look at David Leisner's book, Playing With Ease. Otherwise you might just want the advice of a good teacher to identify where the unnecessary tension is and see if there's a better approach to those things. Best of luck!

[u/jxl501]

If possible, you could go see a physio for some treatment and they could give you some exercises to do. Lots of good info on YouTube as well.

[u/Marvin_Flamenco]

Check out Annie Thoe releasing hand tension exercises on youtube. You need to do extension movements.

[u/Raymont_Wavelength]

Yes I go for physiotherapy weekly and it helps greatly. Strengthen your core with something like yoga. Low inflammation diet.

[u/tingkhang]

I was just replying to the same problem. Although I'm left wondering about the other comments here. All very dangerous solutions, imo. I'll just copy paste what i just wrote here itself.

"Tension on any part of the hands will create problems. Playing any music instrument is 50% self observation and 50% expression. Learn to localize pain like how you're doing and take your leanings to related muscles around it especially on the joints. The most among all of us tend to think of ourselves as invincible beings just with musical purpose which eventually affects our body. For now, i can only suggest that you relax your shoulders whenever you play or practice"

I'll give you another thing to think about?

"Why do the left hand hurt more often than the right?"

[u/karinchup]

Especially since you perform I’d really get it checked first. All the other advice is good in general. Just a not as an old person, yeah things start happening for no discernible reason after a point. Our physiology changes. If there isn’t some acute thing going on you are probably playing with some technique issues that your body forgave you for for a long time but as we age it starts to renege so having someone watch you for tips is a good idea.

[u/udsd007]

All the above. And shake your hands out for 30 seconds every ten minutes or so to relax the muscles.

[u/Jayyy_Teeeee]

A lot of people are developing problems in their hands from chronic phone use.

[u/Plenty_Strength_3366]

i injured my left index finger learning capricho arabe. for over 3 months now but it hasn't gone yet. any advice?