I've got a performance coming up soon and my wrist is agony....what should I do??

[Fassa Albrecht]

I'm getting ready to play again with worship, getting back into practices and learning some new stuff. Yet increasingly I'm having to write off really crucial practice time because my thumb on my right hand (my plucking hand even though I'm left handed) is absolute agony. When I move it there is a short stabbing pain which goes right down to my wrist.

I really don't know what I should do. I can rest and spend even more time not playing and performing, or I can play and be in pain.

Any suggestions?

[Trevorus]

You're in the UK, get to a doc. Check your technique. It shouldn't cause pain.

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by Trevorus

You're in the UK, get to a doc. Check your technique. It shouldn't cause pain.

My technique is absolutely fine, it's been checked out by three other bassists in my worship band.

[Trevorus]

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

My technique is absolutely fine, it's been checked out by three other bassists in my worship band.

Apparently it's not, or you have an underlying problem. I used to have some problems with tendinitis in my hands, especially when using a pick on bass. My right hand/thumb would cramp like crazy. Of course, on guitar, doing barre chords would make my left hand cramp up. I had to adjust things until my hands flowed better, and I didn't feel like I was fighting them all the time. Pain is not normal, no matter how many people say it.

Also, doing stretches helps me immensely.

[Fassa Albrecht]

Looks like I'll be seeing the doctor then.......

Thing is, I had very mild RSI before I played bass, and even then i've been very careful. I've never had any bother until the time I started performing at church and at my university.

[Trevorus]

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Looks like I'll be seeing the doctor then.......

Well, let's examine some things. Where does your bass hang? What angle is your plucking wrist at?

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by Trevorus

Well, let's examine some things. Where does your bass hang? What angle is your plucking wrist at?

My bass sits roughly just above my waist and my hand is then only slightly bent.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Do you do any sports? Sport related injury?

Sounds like you've maybe pulled something in your hand, either that or your technique is off, not that i can say anything, mine is shocking. Just because everyone else does it, doesnt mean its ok

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

Do you do any sports? Sport related injury?

Sounds like you've maybe pulled something in your hand, either that or your technique is off, not that i can say anything, mine is shocking. Just because everyone else does it, doesnt mean its ok

I cycle a fair bit but i've never had any serious injury from it. Like I said as well, I've had my technique looked at and apart from using an awkward-shaped bass, my Shergold, there isn't anything which is causing a problem.

[Trevorus]

Do you have an excessively hard touch, or high action?

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by Trevorus

Do you have an excessively hard touch, or high action?

My action is fairly low because I use slap sometimes and I'm not that heavy handed.

[winston]

You might want to see some sort of somatic therapist--for example, someone who does the Alexander Technique or Feldenkrais, or a good sports/arts doctor/therapist.

I've been playing about 22 years, and have had several RSI injuries along the way. The people who helped me the most (an arts MD, an Alexander Technique teacher, and my wife, a massage therapist) are not themselves musicians but have a wonderful understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Sometimes pain in one area is caused by tension elsewhere.

Also, your diet can affect things like this. I have a friend ( a phenomenal percussionist) whose tendinitis all but disappeared when he discovered he was allergic to corn, which caused inflammations that bothered his tendons.

Best of luck and please let us know what works for you!

If you currently rest your plucking hand thumb on a pickup/string/neck you may want to check out the floating thumb technique espoused by Steve Lawson and Todd Johnson--both of whom are easily reached through their Ask a Pro forums here on TB.