Tension in Left Hand?

finallyflute-ing · Post by **finallyflute-ing** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:12 pm

I don't think this has ever happenned to me before, but today when I was practicing I began experienceing a lot of tension in my left hand. It spans from about my bottom knuckles on the top of my hand and over most of the palm (knuckles to wrist).
I'm holding the flute the way I always do - except I played a little on an open-holed flute a few days ago, and now I'm very consious of whether or not my fingers are completely covering the keys. I'm wondering if this is poissibly why I'm experiencing this tension.
When I hold my flute, my left hand is positioned like this: thumb on the inner thumb key, fingers 1,2,3 on their keys (fully covering where the holes would be if this weren't a plateau flute) and my pinkie sort of hanging below the offset g key. The body of the flute (above the c key) rests just above the first knuckle on my index finger (infact I often find that spot a reddish color, due to how much of the flute's weight rests there). I also feel like I am probably resting some of the flute's weight on my thumb, which is problematic when playing notes that do not require that key to be pressed down.
I am not having any problems in my right hand, and I feel as if that hand is supporting the flute the way it is meant to... I just thought I would throw this out there to see if anyone can find anything wrong with my hand postition, or just generally offer advice to fix this problem.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:51 pm

I'll help you if I can catch you in the practice rooms. I already gave some pointers, but I have a few more.

finallyflute-ing · Post by **finallyflute-ing** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:06 pm

Well I'm usually there when you are. Look around tomorrow morning, I'll probably be practicing between Piano and Theory.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:05 pm

im the opposite, i often have tension in the right hand, but i do tend do push hard on the buttons sometimes - thats probably why.

deina-kun · Post by **deina-kun** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:21 pm

I have tension in my whole left arm after playing a while when I stand up. I don't think I have bad posture, but it's probably cuz I'm not used to holding it at an angle after holding it parallel for months during marching band/field show season.

finallyflute-ing · Post by **finallyflute-ing** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:23 pm

See, I haven't decided yet if I'm more comfortable holding it at an angle or level to play... I usually hold it level when I'm playing into a mirror, so I can see fingerings better, but I don't consiously pay attention other times.
I guess I should pay attention to that maybe, huh?

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:30 pm

deina-kun wrote:I have tension in my whole left arm after playing a while when I stand up. I don't think I have bad posture, but it's probably cuz I'm not used to holding it at an angle after holding it parallel for months during marching band/field show season.

Usually holding the flute at an angle is much more comfortable than holding it parallel. I would pay conscious attention to releasing that tension, as it can result in serious hand/arm problems later. Same goes for the other posters. It may be poor hand position, bad posture, too much of a stretch for one or more of your fingers, etc, but whatever the issue, it should be addressed. A good flute teacher would be an excellent way to resolve this, as they often pick up on bad habits that you're not aware of. And to finally-fluting, I would not worry about where you're holding the flute as long as you are in a relaxed and comfortable position. Every player is different and holds their instrument slightly differently.

musical_Kat · Post by **musical_Kat** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:03 am

Do whatever you can to try and relax your hands while you play....try and press as lightly as you can on the keys. It makes for a lighter and more fluid performance and you will also save yourself a lot of pain and suffering. I speak from experience. After surgery on each of my wrists to have ganglion cysts removed I have finally learned to relax. I had my first surgery just after I graduated high school when I was 18 and then I had my second last march. Learn from me...don't become me! It was strange because I would not only white knuckle the flute but even when writing anything I would white knuckle the pen. I've finally loosened up but I caused myself a lot of damage! I hope this helps.

finallyflute-ing · Post by **finallyflute-ing** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:08 pm

Thanks for the tips guys - and to flutepicc - I'm starting lessons with the flute professor here at Eastern this summer - right now I'm just memorizing fingerings, scales, and some short, pretty etudes for breath control and support. I can't wait to really get started!

Flute_star3 · Post by **Flute_star3** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:02 am

I am having a similar problem with pain in my left hand. when I play, my left thumb and index finger are flush up against each other. I have recently upgraded to a Yamaha 461H (french keys) so that could have something to do with it. So my question is, does anyone know of any finger/hand stretches I can do in between pieces to help my muscles be less tense.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 12:51 pm

Flute_star3 wrote:I am having a similar problem with pain in my left hand. when I play, my left thumb and index finger are flush up against each other. I have recently upgraded to a Yamaha 461H (french keys) so that could have something to do with it. So my question is, does anyone know of any finger/hand stretches I can do in between pieces to help my muscles be less tense.

If you suspect that it's the French keys, try getting some plugs to put in there and see if your problem improves. You should also bring this up with your private teacher, as no amount of pain is normal for a flutist, and you could well be causing yourself to develop a problem that will limit your flute playing in the years to come. I believe that your model has an Inline G, and this may be the real cause of your problems. Offset G's are usually much more ergonomic, and having to stretch to cover that hole doesn't make the Inline model any more comfortable.

Anne · Post by **Anne** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 7:06 pm

Flute_Star3 - http://musiced.about.com/gi/dynamic/off ... music.html
I found this after giving myself tendonitis in my hand from playing a tenor recorder. It's recovering quite nicely now though.

Flute_star3 · Post by **Flute_star3** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 5:49 pm

Thanks a lot Anne. That is a great article. My teacher noticed my strange hand position and gave me some alternatives, so hopefully a new position will help. Thanks again.

Anne · Post by **Anne** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 6:14 pm

I've just had one of those "eureka" moments. I adjusted the way I'm holding the flute. I'm now turning it outwards slightly so the mechanism is up more. I also lined the embouchure hole up differently, with the outer side in line with the centre of the keys instead of in a straight line as I'd been doing. The difference is amazing. Not only is it way more comfortable to hold, being properly balanced, but the sound has improved enormously.

I'm glad your teacher noticed the cause of your problem. A slight adjustment can make all the difference.