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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Since July of last year I have been suffering from
lateral epicondylitis in my left arm, or tennis elbow. I am not sure if I got
this by practicing the piano, tuning pianos, lifting a heavy suitcase, playing
golf or what. I have had a couple of cortisone injections and physical therapy
sessions, and now the problem has almost disappeared. After this problem
started, I had to severely cut back on my piano tunings because it was painful
when I had to hit the keys firmly with the fingers of my left hand to
settle the strings. I recently tuned a piano and tried to hit the key with my
right hand, then hold the key down with my left finger while I turned
the tuning hammer with my right hand. It took longer but I was able to tune the
piano, and it reduced the amount of pain I had in my left arm. The last thing I
want to happen is to aggravate my arm and for this problem to come back, and
then to eventually need surgery. I have heard that surgery is not always
successful and can lead to permanent irreversible damage. It's a very scary
thought since I am a concert pianist and teacher as well. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have heard that some piano technicians use a
technique where they hit the key with a smaller amount of force and gently push
the string with a small rod or tool to equalize the tension along the speaking
length. This avoids the need to hit the key firmly and achieves the same effect,
whilst reducing the chance of getting tendonitis and tinnitus (due to high sound
levels that might cause hearing loss unless ear plugs are used). </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>My question is, has anyone used this and how
successful is it? Do you push the string downwards or horizontally inwards? Does
it matter? Is this done after the key had been struck? What is the sequence of
actions to use? How long would you expect to complete a piano tuning using this
technique? </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thank you for your help. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Robert Finley</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>