Playing the piano can be a challenge for both kids and adults. However, did you know that utilizing the wrong technique can lead to common injuries? That’s why it’s important to work with a skilled piano teacher when starting out, such as Iryna Dunaeva. Her European Piano School offers the following tips to students to help them prevent injuries from occurring, which can impact the future of their playing.

3 Common Injuries According to an Anchorage Piano Teacher

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome occur when the pathways surrounding nerves become inflamed from repeated use. This condition is typified by restricted movement in the hands and wrists, numbness or tingling, and problems with dexterity. If you notice these symptoms, make sure you’re warming up properly before playing. Also, try to keep your hands as relaxed as possible when playing, which will prevent pressure from being applied to the delicate structures in your wrists.

2. Back or Neck Pain

Along with problems in your extremities, you may also experience pain in your back and neck while playing. This is often caused by improper posture, which can put an unnecessary strain on your spine if you’re not careful. Be sure to take incremental breaks to get up and stretch. Also, make sure your bench is pulled close enough to the piano, so you don’t have to stretch and try to keep your shoulders straight and pushed back to remove some of the strain on your back.

3. Shoulder Pain

Your shoulders will carry the brunt of the weight of playing the piano. You must take the right steps to care for them as you would your neck and back during practice. If you experience stiffness on a regular basis, stretch your shoulder and chest muscles after playing for extended periods. You can also perform exercises to strengthen these muscles, which will help you retain the correct posture.

For more than 22 years, the European Piano School has provided residents of Anchorage with piano lessons to match every conceivable skill level. Iryna Dunaeva uses trusted Russian techniques when instructing her students, the same techniques that were relied upon by world-class pianists. She can also offer insight on how to mitigate common injuries, which will enable you to take your lessons even further. If you’d like more information on scheduling a session with this accomplished piano teacher, call (907) 360-2915. You can also visit her website for more information on available classes.