Is your wrist supposed to hurt when playing the piano? If you twist it?

Question

My wrist hurts after I play for a while. Like when I twist my wrist, it sorta aches/its stiff, for a while. Is this normal? If it isn't, how do I stop it from hurting?

Also the top of my arm hurts sometimes, but I'm pretty sure its because I didn't relax while I play. Right?

Answer 1

if you play piano for a long period of time and are not used to it then yeah it will hurt until u are used to it. so keep playing and building up the strength in your wrists!!!

Answer 2

If you're holding your wrists up like you should be while you're playing, they'll get achy after a while.  Take frequent breaks.

Answer 3

My husband is a very fine pianist, and an expert in retraining pianists who have Repetition Stress Injuries or Cumulative Trauma Disorders. NO - it is not supposed to hurt.  Tell your teacher right away - they need to reposition you to avoid whatever you are doing that is causing this.  If they do not know what to do, or offer stupid advice like "practice harder" or "just shake out your hands, it will go away", or "you have to suffer to get GOOD" - then find a new teacher!!  Even if they say "take a break" or "skip a day" - NO!!!!  You got this FROM playing - you need to get this fixed so you can continue to play!

Answer 4

It isn't normal for your wrist to hurt, either your twisting it or bending them.. Try getting the wrist things at walgreens (the ones that you use to stop your wrists from moving/bending when you sprain them). This will get you into the habit of where your wrist placement should be.

The top of your arm will hurt if your not used to using your arms straight out for so long, its kind of like a work out for them