Hi Mr. Neher,
I ended up hurting my left index finger after "playing through the pain." I guess I was using more pressure than I should have and practicing for too long at a stretch (I was auditioning for graduate schools, had a lot of gigs lined up, etc.). Well, now it's been several months and I still can't get the string all the way down without pain that increases the more I try. The hand specialist says it's simple: stop playing! This is a challenge for me since I got a full scholarship to pursue a master's degree. I've heard that there are leather finger tips or something that bassists can use to protect their fingers and allow the finger to heal while continuing to play in a situation like this, but I don't know if that's really true or where I could go about getting them. Please let me know if you have any information about this, or if not, if you have an idea of where I should go from here to research this further.

Thanks so much for taking the time to be our expert!
Sincerely,
luv2play

Hi Mr. Neher,
I ended up hurting my left index finger after "playing through the pain." I guess I was using more pressure than I should have and practicing for too long at a stretch (I was auditioning for graduate schools, had a lot of gigs lined up, etc.). Well, now it's been several months and I still can't get the string all the way down without pain that increases the more I try. The hand specialist says it's simple: stop playing! This is a challenge for me since I got a full scholarship to pursue a master's degree. I've heard that there are leather finger tips or something that bassists can use to protect their fingers and allow the finger to heal while continuing to play in a situation like this, but I don't know if that's really true or where I could go about getting them. Please let me know if you have any information about this, or if not, if you have an idea of where I should go from here to research this further.

Thanks so much for taking the time to be our expert!
Sincerely,
luv2play

You did not specify where your finger pain is. And since you mention leather finger covers, I should assume that you have pain in your finger tips? Playing with pain is generally NOT GOOD. So, yes, if you can, take a break from all the intense playing. "Easy" playing you might be able to continue. Usually I have finger tip pain if I have taken off a few days (like 14) and my callouses have gotten soft...but only after playing a few hours (like two+). That's enough playing anyway once you are just getting back into it. I had 8 years of severe tendonitis and bursitis when I graduated with my MM from Juilliard. I had to take six weeks off then come back very slowly, learning how to NOT HURT myself, by examining every motion and every amount of energy. I have been playing completely pain free for over 20 years now. So, gloves and wraps help temporarily, but if you have ANY pain, you need to assess how your body parts are doing the job...whether they are operating in efficient motion and shape. We use so many contortions to play the bass. It is important to note one's that are over exerting your body. you may need some medical attention and some third-party observation of your technique. In the mean time, pain killers are helpful (Ibuprofin, aspirin, acetemetophin (sp?), etc.). Don't stress either!
Take care!
PN