Hi, I've been playing for about 2 years, primarily trying to learn Chopin Nocturnes. Earlier this summer I finished the op. 27 c-sharp minor--I was proud of myself for at one point having mastered the middle section, but soon after found nagging discomfort in my left wrist that has yet to really subside. I think it's from over-stretching (a minor ninth tremolo, specifically--I have relatively small hands), but it hasn't gone away in two months, regardless of how much or how little I play anything on the piano. I was hoping to start serious lessons in about a month or so, but now I'm just hoping my wrist will return to full health in time for next spring. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

I don't know if this will help, but I injured my fingers - RSI type pains and couldn't find anyone to help until I came across Feldenkrais. Have a look at their internet site...

I have the same thing, in my left hand, and I went to a physio for it. She said to play still, until I noticed when it hurt (like what I was doing at the time) and then avoid too much of that and gradually bring it back in. She also said to make sure I was sat up straight at the piano, and asked whether it was in my neck too. Then she said, gently rotating my wrist and pulling it as far backwards, forwards and side wards as was comfotrtable would strech it a bit.

It did work, but the exercises only worked for my clarinet, and now I've started playing piano properly again, it won't work as quickly as the right one.

HI xanonyms. In the short term you really need to relax and rest your hand, keeping it active by gentle rotations as elmo said!

However, have you had a teacher up until this point? it may be something to do with poor technique or hand position that is causing the pain. Particularly with tremolo the hand must be completely relaxed, the slightest tension will hurt.

Hope it gets better

You should see a doctor or a physio about it and just try and relax it as much as possible.

You should certainly see a doctor - I had a serious wrist injury at college caused by rowing and if I hadn't stopped rowing I could have permanently damaged it. If you've injured it you need to make sure it's dealt with properly even if it means resting it for a while.