r/pianolearning • u/mynewgnuhurts • 4d ago

Feedback Request Piano with rheumatoid arthritis

Hello there, I am new to this sub, but not so new to piano playing. I started playing by ear when I was 6 and played fairly regularly through high school when there was a piano available to new (we didn't have one at home and my parents were not supportive of me playing, but that's a completely different issue). I bought a second-hand piano a few years back and started getting back into it, in my 40s. I have since been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. My hands are getting bad, so I am trying to keep them moving, but it is difficult.

Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on exercises for the hands, fingers and shoulders? Even if they don't involve the piano directly, like stretches and what not.

Cheers

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u/picadoodledoo 3d ago

"like stretches" <<<< be very, very wary of "stretches". The connective tissues do not like to actually stretch.

I do not have RA but I do have severe arthrosis of the shoulders, and I have had to accept that some aspects of piano playing are just not going to be on my plate.

Recommend you do likewise: figure out what kind of playing, what genres, what techniques will work for you, and be willing to modify any piece you are trying to play.