Anyone suffer from tendonitis?

Mikhail · #1 03-22-2011, 12:30 PM

I've been getting physical therapy for tendonitis, tennis elbow they call it, for about a month; I've had a couple of cortisone shots that helped temporarily, but it has gotten pretty bad. My doctor has suggested surgery, but I'm determined to avoid it at all costs. As part of the PT, which has taken a turn for the better, I've been using this torture device called the Thera-Band Flexbar. I've been so pleased with the way it targets what's ailing me that I asked the folks that run the Rehab to order me one for home use and aftercare. It arrived the next day and on the packaging it claims to be "Great for athletes, guitarists (I assume that would include bassists!), painters, fishermen, and others. This product really seems effective; if you are suffering from tendonitis, as many guitar and bass players do, it might be worth your while to check it out. No affiliation, blah blah blah...

Novel Thera-Band® FlexBar® Exercise Effective for Tennis Elbow

Touch · #2 03-22-2011, 04:37 PM

Sounds interesting...may give it a try.

Thanks!

Russell L · #3 03-22-2011, 10:01 PM

My elbows are ok, but it's my shoulders and Achilles tendons that give me trouble.

Old age ain't for sissies, nope.

Kael · #4 03-22-2011, 10:13 PM

I managed to get tendonitis in my left forearm. Not tennis elbow, the tendons involved were further towards the hand than the elbow ones. Cortisone helped for a bit. What really helped me, was limiting my playing time to gigs only and using a short scale bass (Fender Mustang) for about 6 months. For a few gigs before I got the cortisone, my only recourse was to pop a hydrocodone and suck it up. Not optimal.

I also spent some time looking at the way I was playing. I had my bass strapped up too high. That was rotating my left arm awkwardly. Between that and me using a 6 string wideneck warwick on 4 hour gigs on three to four nights a week, I was putting strain on my tendons. Now I make sure to rotate my fretless 4 banger and doublebass into the mix more frequently. It has helped.

PS: My tendonitis is more or less under control. Every now and then I get a twinge if I overdo it. Eventually I am going to need to move that warwick for something more ergonomically friendly.

Coop Soup · #5 03-22-2011, 10:18 PM

Yep, it can really suck. I've adapted by conducting some of my practices in my head. While that might sound crazy, I try to write basslines while listening to the music to save the old digits and/or forearms from pain. Also, lots of stretching.

Schlyder · #6 03-22-2011, 11:07 PM

looks similiar to the motion my physiotherapist has me working.
I have had tendonitis in my left elbow for 4 years. From very severe, to manageable pain and functionality. Have done pretty much every type of treatment except surgery.

The exercise is similiar to what I do with a dumbell. Use as much weight so max reps would be 8 - 10 reps. Start low and work up. Do 3 sets and then apply ice.
With the forearm supported to the wrist on the edge of a table and the wrist hanging over the edge, with palm facing down, wrist straight,
- hand the dumbell to your supported hand and then slowly curl the wrist down.
- take the dumbell from hand.... Do not lift the weight back up by curling the wrist.
- repeat.... do 8 - 10 reps... 3 sets. Then apply ice. After icing, rest the arm... do not do anything that makes those muscles work. Let the muscles warm up naturally.
- do exercises 2 - 3 times a day.

Philbiker · #7 03-23-2011, 11:00 AM

I have chronic tendonitis and I wouldn't touch something like the device in the OP with a 10 foot pole unless specifically prescribed by a physical therapist or doctor.

baileyboy · #8 05-27-2011, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

I have chronic tendonitis and I wouldn't touch something like the device in the OP with a 10 foot pole unless specifically prescribed by a physical therapist or doctor.

That most likely is why your tendonitis is "chronic"; you may be relying too much on what doctors say you should/shouldn't do. Listen to your body... you know your pain threshold better than anyone ever could. Learn techniques/exercises to heal your own body instead of being dependent on doctors and the drugs they peddle.

Flatus · #9 05-27-2011, 08:58 PM

I had chronic tendonitis for years, but it was finally cured when I got arthritis in my fingers from repetitive use and ignoring the pain.

I wish I'd followed the "listen to your body" advice - paid the price.

So, now it's more about phrasing and less about speed and dexterity. Less is more indeed! (where's that silver lining?)

Mcrelly · #10 10-01-2011, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell L

My elbows are ok, but it's my shoulders and Achilles tendons that give me trouble.

Old age ain't for sissies, nope.

my cousin who is a podiatrist suggests stretching my lower leg tendons by standing a few feet from a wall and leaning towards it one leg at a time until you feel the tension in the back of your lower leg. seems to have helped me when I had pain which seemed to be on top of my heal ....