Does stretching and warming up prevent or prolong arthritis and other hand injuries?

azfryguy · #1 07-07-2011, 08:47 PM

I am 18 years old and play bass about every other day for 4 hours a day. I have a little fear in the back of my head that one day I will get arthritis or carpal tunnel. So I usually stretch and warm up if I am going to play longer than 30 minutues. I do about five minutes of stretching and five more of warmup. I have created my own stretching routine and warmup and have never had anything help so much. Its like before my fingers would get stuck together almost now they arre free to roam the fretboard. I also play with a very light touch I have been playing for 7 years so I am not that good and when I say light touch I mean light for me not light for someone who has been playing a few decades. So what are the odds and how bad is it when your hands hurt so bad you do not want play? Do anti-inflamitory medications help? I do all of these stretches/warm ups and play with a light touch not because I live in fear of hurting my hands but I find it helps with finger dexerity.

Chapbass · #2 07-07-2011, 09:01 PM

While anti inflammatory meds can help, really the only true cure is REST. Good ergonomics can definitely help too. Not just while playing bass, but with anything using your hands.

I'm 26, a few years ago I had some tendonitis problems as I was playing a lot of bass, on the computer a lot, worked at a job that did a lot of 10 key pad (at a bank), etc etc. My hands eventually couldn't handle it. I laid off of everything for a few weeks and slowly eased my way in. I now use a specialized keyboard (not really because I have to, but because its more comfortable and no reason to risk it), but my hands are completely fine.

Stretching and warming up definitely help, but if your hands start to hurt, TAKE IT EASY. Trust me, it helps.

fearceol · #3 07-08-2011, 04:54 AM

You are right to be aware of the importance of looking after your hands. IMO it is very important, and a preventive measure against carpel tunnel etc, to warm up with gentle stretches before a practice session ( no matter how long) or gig. Warming down is also important.

Another major factor in preventing physical problems is good technique in both hands. Ideally both wrists should be as straight as possible. The combination of good technique, stretching, and playing with a light touch ( as you say) with the hands relaxed, should greatly reduce your chances of having hand/wrist/finger problems.

One more thing, if you are playing for four hours a day, make sure you take regular breaks and keep well hydrated.

With the above advice, you are doing everything reasonably possible for injury free bass playing, all there is left is...enjoy !!

duff beer · #4 07-08-2011, 08:06 AM

Stretching is highly overrated, but if you are going to stretch, WARM UP first. Stretching cold muscles is a good way to injure yourself. I have been running and lifting weights for years and have never stretched and have never been injured. The best way to get ready to run or to lift heavy is to warm up by running slowly or by starting light and gradually increasing the weight.

Droot · #5 07-08-2011, 08:33 AM

Fully extend and then make a tight fist a dozen of so times. Then repeat, but this time hyper extend your fingers by about a half inch by pushing back on them with your palm of your opposite hand (don't force it or you can injure yourself). Finally, flex your wrists front to back and rotate in a complete circle (as close as you can get) a dozen or so times. This will loosen things up and prevent injury, and if done along with proper positioning of your hands and arms will help prevent long term repetitive stress injuries such as carpel tunnel and tennis elbow (tendinitis). Bottom line, if it hurts, don't do it (can't think of many exceptions to this one).

DRoot RN

SurferJoe46 · #6 07-08-2011, 09:44 AM

Some forms of arthritis are from wear to the joints, so exercising under that condition is counter intelligent.

I have a fractured pubis - unresolvable - spinal degenerative arthritis and osteoporosis with very bad scan numbers, plus scoliosis and vertebral compressive fractures and the ortho docs tell me that my steps are numbered and when I run out of them I sit for the rest of my life.

So - it's important to find out what kind of arthritis you have as some types are exacerbated by warm-ups.

azfryguy · #7 07-09-2011, 03:10 PM

Well I dont have any problems right now but I sure I will in the future thanks guys I couldnt live without TB

bassbrad · #8 07-09-2011, 09:20 PM

Arthritis is just one of those things some of it is hereditary, some of it is due to stress or injuries and some is just plain wearing out. You do need to be aware of injuries and take the time to heal them also taking supplements like glucosomine may help.
I'm just 52 but already feel the creeping of age, not as much in my hands but there is some stiffness and occasionally some discomfort, but have arthritis in my left shoulder that keeps me from playing upright any longer.

azfryguy · #9 07-10-2011, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbrad

Arthritis is just one of those things some of it is hereditary, some of it is due to stress or injuries and some is just plain wearing out. You do need to be aware of injuries and take the time to heal them also taking supplements like glucosomine may help.
I'm just 52 but already feel the creeping of age, not as much in my hands but there is some stiffness and occasionally some discomfort, but have arthritis in my left shoulder that keeps me from playing upright any longer.

So you will never play upright again? That is ridiculosly depressing. Is there nothing you can do or medication you can take?

lowendgenerator · #10 07-10-2011, 01:16 AM

If you've got a method of warming up that works for you, pitch that **** to Mel Bay. Maybe they'll like it and sell you out for a million. Until then, JAZZ HANDS!

Aussie Player · #11 07-10-2011, 01:24 PM

Arthritis is completely unknown to people who do not have it.

I have had it since I got Juvenile Arthritis more than 40 years ago. When you have it the pain comes from swelling created by acidic fluid in the joints that if untreated (removed by syringe or absorbed through exercise) can cause damage to cartelige and eventual fusing of the joints.

I learned from experience and reasearch that the old phrase "move it or loose it" is very true.

After playing for 40 years and being in pain right now in my left hand, I can tell you with authority, keep playing and do not nurse a sore joint. The movement keeps any fluid from settling in the one spot and causing any permanent damage.