Shoulder problems

malicous · #1 01-31-2008, 06:55 PM

Just wandering what other bassists do to help keep shoulder pain to a minimum. I have tried different types of straps (Comfort strap, 5" leather straps, double shoulder strap) but I still experience pain in my left shoulder and, if it is a particularly long set, my left knee as well. My current bass is rather heavy (6 string 35" scale with a Wenge neck), so I am hoping to save up to get something lighter (maybe a five string with a chambered body and maple neck), but until I can afford that, any tips on how to reduce the shoulder pain?

PocketGroove82 · #2 01-31-2008, 07:20 PM

Work out.

You can only make your instrument SO light and comfortable, but who knows how strong you can make your own body?!

I like shoulder presses, lat. pull-downs, and push ups. Get used to being sore, use ice and ibuprofen when needed. I don't subscribe to the notion that the bass player is always the lazy, ugly, fat guy in the back and nor should you.

If you don't want to pay for a gym, grab some milk jugs and hold them over your head, then out in front of you, and back over your head. Or buy some 8-10lb weights and extend your arms straight out to your sides, over and over. Your body will thank you, your bass playing pain will disappear. I promise.

Jazzerbone · #3 01-31-2008, 07:56 PM

+1

work out

tjh · #4 01-31-2008, 10:10 PM

with all due respect, dont workout ... at least until you find the source for your pain ... your profile leaves no indication as to your age, but if you have an impingement. rotator cuff type tear, or other joint issue, you may only further damage the condition ... I am a mid 50 year old certified personal trainer, who has had one shoulder rebuilt, and the other currently has a minor tear from an obtrusive acromium hook ... a load on that shoulder could possibly worsen the tear ... I select my basses with weight being a high priority, use a 4 inch Italia strap, and wear the bass quite high on my chest and strap on my trapezius to minimize the load ... on some occassions I will even use my stool if needed ... that's the long answer ... the short one is find the source of the pain, and if it is determined that it is none of the above, then by all means use resistance training to help ... BUT, the caveat is to train the entire body (at least entire upper body) to keep it in balance, and then make sure your technique is proper to emphasize the muscularity of the shoulder, and minimize using the joint itself as the lever in the motion ... please dont do any shoulder involved motions with your arms straight out, always have at least a slight bend in your elbow, during lateral (sideways) motions, try to lead with the elbow, overhead motions try not to lock the elbows at the top, and theres no need to lower the resistance beyond the upper arm only slightly breaking a parallel plane with the ground ... also remember to stretch (static/passive prior to starting, and more progressive throughout and after completion of the motions) ... as far as your knee pain, make sure you are not locking the joint while standing ... change position often, and try not putting all of your weight on one leg for extended periods of time ... also, make sure your body is well hydrated, helps to lubricate joints, that will be 35 dollars please, thank you

rodl2005 · #5 01-31-2008, 10:16 PM

what about one of those guitar/bass belts..... that go round yr waist & take the weight of the bass!!! Sounds like just wot U need!

malicous · #6 02-01-2008, 08:27 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys. tjh, what you said regarding exercise causing more pain/damage seems to be the case. When I first started to have trouble, my personal trainer friend showed me some weight training exercises to do, but they only made things worse.
rodl2005, not sure if you were joking, but I checked out the waist strap idea, and I found an article with the bass player from the Gipsy Kings describes how he uses two straps, one in the normal fashion and one around his waist. I tried it, and it seems to help quite a bit. Until I can get to a doctor, this system might be exactly what I need. Thanks.

ErikP.Bass · #7 02-01-2008, 07:51 PM

Stand up straight, keep your shoulders down and back. You would be amazed at how much this helps.

I would also say try to educate yourself about the shoulder muscles and and bones as much as you can. There are lots of great books out there. If you do go to a doctor/physical therapist, try finding one that specializes in or at least has successfully treated musicians.

Marcury · #8 02-02-2008, 12:12 PM

Planet Waves makes something called a Dare Strap which goes over both shoulders might help.

Also Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory could help particularly if it's bursitis or the like. See a doctor and find out what the cause is.

malicous · #9 02-04-2008, 07:59 PM

The dare strap looks interesting. I might try combining that with the waist strap. I may look rather silly on stage, but at least I should be more comfortable. Thanks for all the responses.

Jazzdogg · #10 02-04-2008, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malicous

Thanks for all the advice guys. tjh, what you said regarding exercise causing more pain/damage seems to be the case. When I first started to have trouble, my personal trainer friend showed me some weight training exercises to do, but they only made things worse.
rodl2005, not sure if you were joking, but I checked out the waist strap idea, and I found an article with the bass player from the Gipsy Kings describes how he uses two straps, one in the normal fashion and one around his waist. I tried it, and it seems to help quite a bit. Until I can get to a doctor, this system might be exactly what I need. Thanks.

I tried the dare strap and found that it changed the position of my bass relative to my arms and torso in a way that I couldn't adjust to.

Do you have a brand name or website for the waist strap?

malicous · #11 02-04-2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

Do you have a brand name or website for the waist strap?

I just use a Comfort Strapp the way Xavier Padilla from the Gipsy Kings does (or used to), attaching both ends of the strap to the back of the bass. He discusses this in the following article:

http://www.woodwiz.com/guitarlab/padilla.html

Jazzdogg · #12 02-05-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malicous

I just use a Comfort Strapp the way Xavier Padilla from the Gipsy Kings does (or used to), attaching both ends of the strap to the back of the bass. He discusses this in the following article:

http://www.woodwiz.com/guitarlab/padilla.html

Thanks!