5 Technique Tips Pianists can Apply to Smartphone Use
It’s practically an appendage—when are we not on our phones? Like it or not, phone use isn’t going anywhere, so it’s essential to find ways to protect your hands in the meantime. ⠀ Here are 5 Finlay Method–inspired tips to keep your hands healthy while scrolling and texting.
4/17/20251 min read
1. Give your poor thumb a break
Your thumb does a lot of work when texting — often more than it’s built for. Avoid clenching with the last joint. When possible, think about using the whole|thumb— with support from your hand and arm. Keep your movements efficient by minimizing overall range of motion, especially when scrolling or typing quickly.
2. What are you doing with your wrist?
Just like at the piano, extreme positions lead to strain after a while. Prolonged hyperflexion (bending your wrist forward) can compress nerves and overuse tendons. Keep your wrist in a midrange, neutral position as much as possible.
3. Put It Down Now and Again: Touch Grass!
Your hands need rest — not just from using the phone, computer, or practicing piano, but from everything. Breaks help your muscles and tendons recover and reset. Even 30–60 seconds every 20–30 minutes makes a difference.. And, just putting this out there...no one should be on their phone 24/7!
4. Avoid “Smartphone Neck”
Looking down all day can wreak havoc on your neck, shoulders, and upper
back. Finlay Method Regulars: sound familiar? It’s that “forward head position” I’m always banging on about. Bring your phone into your line of sight and keep your head up (balanced on top of the spine). Your neck and upper back will thank you.
5. Use Two Hands, and Find Support
Typing one-handed with a curled wrist and suspended thumb is a recipe for
fatigue. Use two hands when possible, and rest your forearms or elbows on a surface to offload tension.