We must never forget that when we play, we transfer our weight from a place to another, using lumbar vertebraes. The figure below shows main problems caused by our position at the piano. The body weight lies only on the ischiatic protuberance, thus pelvis remains in an unstable position. Add to this the legs and feet to operate the pedals and we obtain a body perfectly unbalanced …

The body then tries to balance the imbalance, and reacts tensing trapezoids, the neck muscles to keep the spine immobile and right. Upon follow therefore muscle pain, and longer-term lesions much more serious due to hyperactivity of certain muscles.

What solutions can be found to solve these problems?

Firstly, we must be attentive and try to understand what our body is telling us. Too many people do not question even a long time after the beginning of pain, and continue to play like before. It seems important to repeat: playing the piano should not cause any pain! We must therefore begin by listening to our own body and recognize bad posture, unnecessary muscle tension and progressively eliminate them.

Then, some stretching exercises can help to be in shape (check this with your preferred physiotherapist). It is also good to have a regular physical activity to maintain your muscles.

Finally, let me note here that there is a type of ergonomic piano bench, developed by Dr. Anna-Maria Habermann and produced by the firm Lanzani. These benches whose seat is equipped with a sloping surface can rebalance the body and reduce or cancel completely the pains due to our position at the piano. Why don’t we find this everywhere? Probably because of its price: the base model is from 555 euros + shipping. But it is sure that your back has no price! Let’s pray to see the prices going down!

Pay attention to your back, I saw more than one colleague being forced to stop his career because of these pains!

Related posts:

1. The pianist’s body
2. On piano keyboards
3. Piano moving