On Fri, 20 Apr 2001 17:24:54 -0700 (PDT) Robert Wilson <pianotechnicianuk@yahoo.com> writes: > Players can be tough, both uprights and grands cause > you to lean over more and one worries sometimes about > repetative strain. Does anyone have any tips for neck > and/or shoulder excercises to help? > > Bob Wilson, London. Hi Bob - Eight years ago, after 15 years of tuning, I began a stretching routine to minimize the shoulder/arm/neck/back strain. Worked great for about 3-4 years. Then I started getting somewhat regular massages to stave off the beginnings of pain. Helped to a large degree, although the more distance between the massage and the work, the more discomfort would creep back in. In the past years I have included lifting free weights as part of my daily routine, and I have been astonished at the results. Even those long 6-7 piano days now have little or no effect on my arm/shoulder/neck/back. Hard to believe, really, but it's true. I agree with Marty. Lifting free weights can be a simple solution to a seeminly complex problem. Twenty minutes/day is all it takes. Presses, curls, front raises, tricep work, laterals, flys. Some lower body work is good, too, of course. Stretching is always good, too, and massage can certainly be of great benefit. Mark Potter bases-loaded@juno.com
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