Stretch you wrist out before you practice play

[Plantbrain]

I notice many players have wrist issues and a simple thing, I do it often because of weight lifting, stretch out before you do the work out!

Rotate the wrist all the way around, much like folks do stretching their calf. Then reverse it and flip it over stretch the other side, do this for both hands before you play. I do this against a wall or post, applying pressure and tension to stretch the muscles out, generally at least 10 sec per position. Also, if you push against the tension, you will get a better stretch(active stretching).

This will help the muscles a considerable amount and reduce fatigue, which means better, more, and effective playing

Note: you can similar routines for the fingers(say sore 2-3 picking fingers or that poor slap happy thumb)


Seriously though, try this simple sometimes so obvious that we forget about it, pre playing stretch. You should see better playing, longer playing, less pain and suffering.

Regards,
tom

[69nites]

I like to stretch after warming up

[eedre]

I have to crack my knuckles after every song

[Plantbrain]

Originally Posted by 69nites

I like to stretch after warming up

This is good as well. Many athletics suggest that.
I meet many players that never do stretch at all.

Drummers also oddly enough.

Regards,
Tom

[MistaMarko]

Originally Posted by eedre

I have to crack my knuckles after every song

Cracking your knucles causes them to become inflamed, and causes your hands to become tense quicker, which can cause you to lock up while playing and develop muscle cramping easier.

I had a show with my band this past April, and a few hours before the gig I happened to be reading a health article about knuckle popping, and although it really isn't bad, for activities requiring dexterity, it can work against you. When I finished reading the article, I said to myself that I'm never popping my knuckles again because I knew it would effect my playing endurance. I haven't popped my knucles since and I've noticed my knucles weren't as swollen, they weren't red around the bone, and they aren't as inflammed, and I have been able to endure longer periods of playing and practicing ever since. Just a heads up.

[StealingYerMail]

Originally Posted by MistaMarko

Cracking your knucles causes them to become inflamed, and causes your hands to become tense quicker, which can cause you to lock up while playing and develop muscle cramping easier.

I had a show with my band this past April, and a few hours before the gig I happened to be reading a health article about knuckle popping, and although it really isn't bad, for activities requiring dexterity, it can work against you. When I finished reading the article, I said to myself that I'm never popping my knuckles again because I knew it would effect my playing endurance. I haven't popped my knucles since and I've noticed my knucles weren't as swollen, they weren't red around the bone, and they aren't as inflammed, and I have been able to endure longer periods of playing and practicing ever since. Just a heads up.

That's interesting. I'd always crack my knuckles before practicing, and I'd notice an improvement. About two hours later, my fingers would always lock up, without them feeling tired.