I find flute weight makes a difference. I suspect not so much holding it up - it is fairly light compared with the weight of two arms (which we don’t normally hold out like that) - but that slight steady pressure on the left wrist and elbow from a ‘classical’ three-point hold; nothing is really underneath the flute. I find that with a heavy flute keeping my head upright to take more weight on my chin means I can ease off the pressure and still keep the flute sitting there comfortably.
Last time I mentioned this I was diagnosed by one of the regulars as having ‘princess and the pea syndrome’ but I have been having to go very carefully with my left arm and I am sure that getting all these tiny little things optimised helps. Flutes seem to get lighter if you play them more; also better coordinated fingers allow a lighter ‘grip’
Switching flutes is not an option - I’m madly in love with my Williams. She has a rich dark warm tone, and is quite beautiful to behold, too. I just need to get good enough to do her justice.
Wrist position is definitely an issue. I find it really difficult to get the left hand flat/straight. I’m hoping that a teacher will help me with that.
The straight wrist position - it’s a matter of retraining the way you balance the flute.
Reposition so that you aren’t balancing the flute on a backward bent left palm (which is what happens if you’re doing what Denny suspected). Play the headjoint like he says - use that article link for good posture, which way to sit and turn your head, keeping shoulders down, etc.
Also you can find where your flute has its own balance point (hold the flute in your left hand over a bed and put your finger under the point where the flute will balance itself). Once you’ve found that, then it’s just a matter of repeating the wrist and hand position you want to use until it’s become a habit.
It does take concentration so do it in short spurts. - you could set a timer and play something really simple, a note or 2, pay attention to your wrist. When the timer rings notice your wrist position. Reset timer.. Don’t take it personally, just retrain your muscles.
Not against the rules to lift weights. Stronger arms and back can help.
Also wrist stretches won’t hurt. LIke put your
hands down flat on a table and slowly rock forward, stretching the tendons in your wrist.
Things like this are unlikely to hurt you and might help.
Also there are hand therapists who are more likely to know how to help than
internists, and orthopedic hand surgeons are good (who, if they are any good, generally won’t
recommend surgery but exercises). Knowing hands they know arms, elbows, etc too.
