Tension in right hand

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 3:59 pm

is this normal? It tends to happen more when playing low notes but it is there almost all the time. Anything I could be doing wrong?

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 5:02 pm

Excessive tension is not a good thing, nor is it normal, though many people have problems with tension. It may be that you need to adjust your hand position or some other part of your posture, but you should examine this problem closely with your teacher. Tension can cause injuries that could potentially end your flute playing career permanently somewhere down the line.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 5:05 pm

there should be a certain amount of tension, but only enough to support the flute, and press down the keys. Any discomfort is due to excess strain and tension in your hand or shoulders/arm. The first thing that I would check would be hand position.

If you are using appropriate hand positioning and technique, the shape of your hand [ while playing when you look at it] should be in an almost perfect backwards "c". Your fingers should be curved [ pinkie included] using your finger tips to push the keys down. your wrist should be in a very natural position, and not bent in an awkward position. I highly reccommend going to http://www.larrykrantz.com

there is a section on performance health that deals with similiar issues.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:28 pm

I will check out that site in a minute, but what about when hitting the lowest C or B? My hands are small so its impossible to my pinky to be bent while playing these notes. C isnt so bad, but B is quite a stretch. In fact i think if i ever play a piece with a low B in it ill have to put a plug or 2 in!

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:14 pm

As long as you dont hold the low C or B for a long time, and you return to a curved pinkie position, you should be fine.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:20 am

just thoguht of something - do any of you have thumb ports? My teacher got one as a prototype from someone, and theyve become quite popular.

if anyone has one, how do they work for you?

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:38 pm

Yes, I own a thumbport, and honestly, I cant imagine living without it any more.

See, I have had hand problems in the past [and am currently having some issues with my left hand and wrist], primarily in my right hand. The problem I had was merely the result of my hands growing, but my flute staying the same size. I would play for about 20 minutes, and would have pain up to 6 hours. So, my teacher helped me redo my hand positioning in my right hand, and it practically vanished. Now, that I have added the thumbport, it has gotten a MILLION times better still. There is no tension in my right hand/wrist/arm whatsoever....

now my left hand and wrist.... that is another story. About 5 days ago my whole left arm went all tingly and numb in the practice room. I knew that I wasnt THAT overweight or THAT active to be having a heart attack [particularly because I'm not even 20 yet]. So, I think I have narrowed it down to typing too much on the computer [between random internet surfing and homework.... too much]. So, I have been cutting back computer time, and been wearing a wrist brace around the clock [because sometimes I sleep on my wrist in an odd way]. This has helped quite a bit, and I have been modifying my flute a little bit. I have put moleskin on the tube where my left hand supports the flute, and I have built up the C key in the left hand with several layers of moleskin so that my hand is in a more natural open position. This has helped a lot, so now all I can do is rest.

But I definately recommend looking into a thumbport. I think that they are GREAT!

TheScarecrow · Post by **TheScarecrow** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 7:14 pm

I have pretty bad tendonitis from playing my oboe excessively. At the time I was playing like 4 or more hours a day. When the pain got so bad I couldn't even play the flute anymore my teacher gave me a thumbport and it's helped a lot.

FLflutist · Post by **FLflutist** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 7:54 pm

I've had a lot of pains my right wrist and hand as well... but I think that could be from practicing a little too hard...

...It's just that point where you LOVE this part in a peice... and you just HAVE to play it regardless of the pain because it sounds so pretty or it's really fun to play...

...a habit I should break now

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 9:25 am

I really am considering getting a thumbport. They seem to do so good for so many people. My right hand, mainly my thumb gets tense alot. Im taking a break now because of it. My teacher is gonna pick me one up next time she goes to the US. (we live in Canada, lol). Ive heard it also balances the flute better, along with relieving pain. I cant wait to try it out. it probably will be weird at first, but then again so were open holes.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:17 am

It does completely rebalance the way the weight is distributed in your hands.

Flflutist.... I would be very cautious right now. At first I thought the same thing in high school, but then I came to realize [with the help of a competant teacher] that my hand positioning was at fault. So, I would take this very seriously, because this could put an end to your flute career in the future if you dont take care of it now. If you have a teacher, then have him/her look at what could be the problem [ odd angulation of the wrist, not having enough curvature in your fingers, having your elbow too high, having your fingers leaning etc. etc.]

I would take this seriously right now, and I recommend both of you take action immediately. Tendonitis / Carpal Tunnel could develop, and it will affect far more than your flute playing.

Also, spending less time on the computer could help a lot.