Whether you were recently diagnosed or have dealt with arthritis for several years, consider adding piano lessons to your pain management plan. Playing the piano can help reduce common symptoms of joint issues. Read below about how learning to play the piano is good for your hands.

How Can Piano Lessons Alleviate Arthritis Pain?

1. Increase Range of Motion

As your hands dance back and forth across the keys, the muscles engage and reduce issues with range of motion. The more you practice, the easier it will get to play without stiffness. Making movements less painful also helps slow joint deterioration. However, it is important to rest your fingers gently over the keys instead of tensing them or making jerky movements that can exacerbate your symptoms. A piano teacher can show you the correct way to play the piano and increase your range of motion.

2. Improve Muscle Strength & Agility

Since playing the piano works the muscles in the hands, it keeps them agile and strong. Healthy, well-developed muscles provide joint support, so you experience fewer movement issues and less pain.

Piano lessons also vary according to the music you’re working on, which means you don’t have to worry about repetitive motions. While exercise is essential to arthritis management, repetitive exercises and activities such as tennis must be avoided because they stress the muscles and joints.

3. Prevent Weak Bones

Working the small bones in your hands with piano lessons keeps them healthy and stable, which also helps protect against osteoporosis. Weak bones deteriorate at a faster rate, especially if you sustain an injury or infection that increases cartilage degeneration. The bone-like connective tissue keeps joints cushioned and absorbs shock. Weak bones are one of the main causes of arthritis, and playing the piano can help slow its progression.

If you’re interested in reducing the pain of arthritis, contact European Piano School to start a new type of physical therapy. The Anchorage, AK, piano school provides adults, seniors, and homeschooled children with private lessons, teaching a unique European piano style since 1997. Call (907) 360-2915 or visit the piano school online for lesson details. Learn more about the benefits of piano lessons on Facebook.