RSI

[Davebass]

i didnt have a clue where this thread should go but since my finger needs repair i thought i would place it hear.

ive just got back from the doctors and have just found out that i have RSI (repetative strain injury) and its come about from playing too much bass. ive been told to lay of the bass for a week or 2 which im absaloutley gutted about. its mainly in the little finger on me left hand.

has any one else been through this?

[Philbiker]

I struggle with RSI always.

Did your doctor show you the stretches you should be doing? It's my right hand that gets bad bass RSI, when I use a pic.

[tplyons]

A lot of us here suffer from it. 9,100 posts on TB shows I do my typing. Plus bass playing, handy work around the house, etc.

Learn proper stretches.

I recommend buying Dr. Randall Kertz' book about health for the bass player available at www.drkertz.com -- it's done me wonders.

[dhadleyray]

I've had it for ten years. Seriously, I might add..

When I used to touch a string, the pain was incredible. The Doctor mentioned cortisone injections or surgery. I freaked, since I was a professional musician. I was even more depressed due to the fact that I came off tour and my wife had bought me my first 6 string and all I could do was put it on and look in the mirror.

People kept mentioning the Alexander technique, but in the end, I just stopped playing for several weeks. Avoided, extreme angles on the right hand and when it hurt, I stopped playing.

Now, I can play for around 4 hours, (letting the amp do the work, i,e, louder amp = softerplaying) without pain. After that, I start feeling some tightness.

R.S.I. is painful, but if you use a little sense, you'll be ok.

just my 2 cents.

I'll say one thing, between the Sciatica from carrying amps, or the R.S.I.
from playing bass. The Sciatica DEFINITELY hurt more! Being unable to play for a few weeks, or being unable to walk... Talk about hazardous to your health!