Three days until my exam, Monday, and I've strained a muscle in my left hand.

I was rather frantically practising fourth finger exercises to try to make my intonation spot on and I think I've overdone it. The whole left side of my hand is aching and hot.

Ice and rest?

WHAT AN IDIOT I AM!!!!!

Maybe if I just do gentle scales etc over the weekend it will settle by Monday?

Ahh how typical Sorry to hear that!
Rest it as much as possible but obviously you're going to be wanting/needing to practise right now... so, try splitting up your practise sessions into small 10 or 15 minute sessions - and do like 4 or 5 of those sessions throughout the day, rather than just practising for an hour straight. That way you'll get chance to rest your hand, and playing for 10 mins at a time shouldn't cause any further damage.

About 2 months ago i started developing fairly bad RSI. Which was worrying as im only 16 - and want to be a musician But i started doing this splitting up my practise time thing. I wasn't really doing much less, but it was a lot better on my hands (which never hurt anymore) and i've improved SO much as i'm always like 'right, i have 20 mins, i need to sort this out' rather than 'ok i have 2 hours so i can play what i like for a bit *gets absorbed into the fun of playing and doesn't actually practise*'

Sorry i always go off on one and end up writing an essay about nothing

Anyway - hope it gets better soon and good luck with your exam! Mine's on Wednesday

Pretty good idea from ffliwt, but I would make the prac sessions even shorter. Only 5 mins as often as you can, but STOP the second it hurts. I would also contact the AB as a matter of urgency and explain the situation asking if alternative arrangements can be made if you're unable to play on Monday.

Remember, it is NOT worth giving yourself a long-term injury for the sake of one exam that could wait if genuine need be. If you have to, scratch from the exam and get the rest you need.

Thanks for all the advice

I didn't play at all yesterday and put ice on my hand a couple of times. I also put Ibuleve on it and took some anti-inflammatories.

This morning (I know it's early and I'm just up ) it is sensitive but not painful as such, and not even stiff.

I'll do some gentle practice today but I think it should be okay by Monday (fingers crossed).. it feels like I could play 'through it' for my exam. I don't want to change my exam day (I'm all worked up for Monday) but should I let the AB board know in case it seizes up on the day?

Awww don't go into depression how did your exam go? It's stressing aye! Hope you got some good news!
Jes xox




O woopz sorry you posted that yesterday, silly me haha. Hope you're ready!! Just one advise, when I did grade 8 cello a few months ago, just remember to look as if you know what you're saying!! And if you're horrendous in aural like me, listen carefully, and if your bell still doesn't ring----make it up and look confident!

Yes, yes and double yes. DON'T take risks just 'cos you're mentally and emotionally ready for Monday. It won't be worth it if you do yourself harm.

Regrettably, strain injuries are far more common in adult music learners than in the very young. Three reasons:

On the whole, adults will do more practice than most children

Adults are using muscles (and joints) in ways they've never used them before and their more mature body is not used to being pushed and pulled around quite so much as children.

The tendons (connecting tissue from muscle to bone) aren't as flexible in adults as they are in children.

As a general issue, warming up adequately before starting to practice is very important, regardless of age. Blasting straight into a three octave scale in one bow, the opening of a concerto, or even an exam piece, doesn't really do anyones body much good at all.

An athlete wouldn't run 400 metres without warming up their body first and a dancer wouldn't go into a rehearsal of Swan Lake before doing at least 30 minutes warmup exercises, so why don't musicians warm up and stretch the muscles and tendons out slowly before starting proper practice?

Warming up and warming down, which includes stretching, helps prepare the body for what you are going to ask of it and also helps it wind down afterwards, thus avoiding cramps, strain etc.

Yes, I bet I 'forgot' to warm up properly.
You'd think I'd know better at my age
Anyway it's only a very very mild ache now (love ice ) so I'll play a little later today.