Plucking fore arm/elbow pain

Mahumadi · #1 08-17-2009, 07:17 AM

Unfortunately I dont have a bass teacher at the moment and no medical insurance, so I turn to you, Talkbass community!

I have been playing for a year or so, and about 3 months ago helped my bass teacher move. While helping him I *think* I strained a muscle in my right, plucking forearm.

Ever since I have had pain and I can tell it is continuing to hurt from playing bass.

I use the 3 finger technique and do not bend my wrist. I keep it straight as if I was using floating thumb, but anchor on the middle pickup.

Imagine a 90 degree angle, but cocked in slightly, making a crease between my fore arm and bicep muscle. My wrist is pretty much pointed at the ground.

I understand the info I have given is not enough for anyone to understand the exact situation, but if you think you may know what my problem is, id love to hear it. Or, this could all be from my muscles being worked out and not having time to rest. Anyone have a similar problem? What did you do to correct it?

Billnc · #2 08-17-2009, 07:27 AM

I've had this, I am not a doctor but had it cared for, it was caused/aggravated by carrying a gracery basket with milk and juice in it (common by the way). Ice and massage with some exercizes (which I can't describe, but maybe google active release) worked.

akaTRENT · #3 08-17-2009, 07:30 AM

search for things related to tendonitis.i actually know a specific stretch for that pain if you want to hit me up a video chat on aim later tonight i could show you.

fearceol · #4 08-17-2009, 07:31 AM

Since you think you may have injured your forearm three months ago, and it's still painful, my advice is to ease up or stop playing altogether, until you get expert advice from a doctor or physiotherapist. To "play through the pain" could make things worse.

akaTRENT · #5 08-17-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

Since you think you may have injured your forearm three months ago, and it's still painful, my advice is to ease up or stop playing altogether, until you get expert advice from a doctor or physiotherapist. To "play through the pain" could make things worse.

+1 to this. I see a doctor regularly to make sure my hand pains are in check.

If you must play make sure to make a point to rest. Try the stretching for a bit, if it really doesnt start easing up, you really should find a way to see an orthopedic doctor so they can put radiation on your bones and make sure nothings messed up to bad.

Mahumadi · #6 08-17-2009, 07:57 AM

Im planning on taking a week off from playing and ill see where im at after that break. As far as the medical aspect.. Its a shame, but I just cant afford it. Go figure, 5 years in the military and no medical insurance, crazy country.

Thanks for the replies. Ill check out some tendonitus stretches, but it seems so damn hard to stretch that muscle. Ill get with you later tonight Trent, thanks!