Rant re: wrist and arm pain

LotusCarsLtd52 · #1 02-05-2011, 01:00 PM

So lately I've been going to physical therapy for pain in my arms and wrists that, although probably caused by computer use, nonetheless has spilled over into playing bass. So my therapist gave me a series of stretches to perform that I've done a mostly good job of keeping up with (I have a busy schedule). She also told me I can play bass but that I need to build-up my endurance slowly so as to be able to fully play again without pain.

The result? My therapist has noticed an improvement in my condition. The sad news? She told me to play for about 5-10 minutes at a time and stretch in-between but to stop if there's any pain. What bothers me of course is that I still get pain while playing and can't play for very long.

On the one hand it's frustrating that my endurance isn't where I want it to be but then again I'm glad things are better and I have hope they'll get better. In the meanwhile I just constantly worry about never being able to play again.

So /rant. Just wanted to get that out there.

hrodbert696 · #2 02-05-2011, 02:32 PM

At what point on a ten-point pain scale do you stop? Right at 1? I'm asking because I've taken a break from practice for the last week or so when I noticed I was getting some wrist discomfort, I wouldn't put it above a 1 or a 2 but I didn't want it to get worse. The spectre of it becoming something permanent haunts me too, but I figure surely it should clear up with some rest and support.

JimmyM · #3 02-05-2011, 10:55 PM

listen to your doctor.

Pbassred · #4 02-06-2011, 01:55 AM

Sucks.
n the bright side, there are some who say that you should only practice for 10 minutes anyway (pause for 10, play for 10). It helps the brain to retain information.

You could take this rest time to look at your fingering technique and work really slow. I did this a while ago. It helped my playing no end.
Also. you could concentrate on theory because that's more head than hands.
Take advantage of the opportunity. It might make it suck less.

RedLeg · #5 02-06-2011, 02:04 AM

Just went through this myself, except I had numbing. My case turned out to be a herniated C6-7 cervical disk. I am now 6 months ACDF post op and I am having zero of the pain and numbness I used to have.

moral: you may want to get an MRI done.