Take good care of your hands!

[EagleMoon]

Originally Posted by nad

Here, I found the video that I pretty much emulate. I already did my own routine before this, but this guy's technique works much better. When I stay on top of these stretches, I can easily play for hours without worry. I used to have to stop every 30 minutes or so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUyMNyrOHJQ

EDIT: Stretch #2 really hurt the first several times I did it, but OH MAN is it ever helpful. Wish I knew about stretching years ago, you'd think that doctors would tell you about such things, but the only advice I ever got was "oh just don't play for awhile and take some pain pills," even though stretching along with playing MORE often helps me.

That's a pretty good video. Who knew all that stuff was up there on YouTube? I always look at the music videos, never thought to look for exercise vids. Thanks.

[Munjibunga]

Sub-o-rama.

[Nedmundo]

Early this year, I developed severe pain and stiffness in the tip joint of my right index finger. I thought it was arthritis. The x-ray didn't reveal any, but the doctor said it could be developing, and I went to occupational therapy. This improved the situation dramatically, and while I've had considerable stiffness and "clicking" on some days, I've kept it under control with exercises and the occasional Ibuprofen.

Thankfully, I can still play without pain -- but I have to use a pick. I've played my last few gigs pickstyle only. I've always liked using a pick for a few tracks here and there, but I greatly prefer fingerstyle in general, so it's frustrating. I'm reaching a middle ground, in which I'll play fingerstyle for the few songs that most benefit from it, and I'm learning more about ways of using a pick to create a variety of tones. Moving to thick (1.00 mm), large triangular picks was a huge improvement too. I've also practiced just using my middle finger, but that could send the wrong message to the audience! I'll probably do that for some tracks though.

Finally, players concerned with these issues should check out The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health by Randall Kertz, D.C. (www.drkertz.com). He includes exercises to address several issues.

[Marley's Ghost]

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

Early this year, I developed severe pain and stiffness in the tip joint of my right index finger. I thought it was arthritis. The x-ray didn't reveal any, but the doctor said it could be developing, and I went to occupational therapy. This improved the situation dramatically, and while I've had considerable stiffness and "clicking" on some days, I've kept it under control with exercises and the occasional Ibuprofen.

Thankfully, I can still play without pain -- but I have to use a pick. I've played my last few gigs pickstyle only. I've always liked using a pick for a few tracks here and there, but I greatly prefer fingerstyle in general, so it's frustrating. I'm reaching a middle ground, in which I'll play fingerstyle for the few songs that most benefit from it, and I'm learning more about ways of using a pick to create a variety of tones. Moving to thick (1.00 mm), large triangular picks was a huge improvement too. I've also practiced just using my middle finger, but that could send the wrong message to the audience! I'll probably do that for some tracks though.

Finally, players concerned with these issues should check out The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health by Randall Kertz, D.C. (www.drkertz.com). He includes exercises to address several issues.

If it's clicking it could be trigger finger. After having everything from accupunture to cortisone injections for my recurring trigger finger, I learned from a PT that it was actually related to my neck and shoulder muscles. He started me on a weight training regimen (after one month of no playing and minimal repetitive motion). That was 4 years ago, and I havent had a problem since. Plus, I've had chicks come up to me when I'm onstage and run their fingers along the cuts in my triceps.

[Nedmundo]

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

If it's clicking it could be trigger finger. After having everything from accupunture to cortisone injections for my recurring trigger finger, I learned from a PT that it was actually related to my neck and shoulder muscles. He started me on a weight training regimen (after one month of no playing and minimal repetitive motion). That was 4 years ago, and I havent had a problem since. Plus, I've had chicks come up to me when I'm onstage and run their fingers along the cuts in my triceps.

Yes, the benefits of lifting can be nice indeed! When I was at my most ripped, many years ago, my wife asked me on our first date at one of my gigs, so yeah, it works.

My doctor and I discussed trigger finger, but eliminated it as a possibility. I've had that before, and this is different. Trigger finger was incredibly painful, but thankfully in my case a cortisone shot knocked it right out. Sorry you had to go through that, but at least it worked out.

My doctor and occupational therapist never definitively diagnosed my problem, but it most resembles arthritis. The OT in particular seemed perplexed by my symptoms.

[dmusic148]

Veteran of two surgeries here, right hand/elbow. Carpal release about 6 years ago, the endoscopic type. Worked great. Then about two years ago started having trouble again- numbness, tingling, but different this time- it was concentrated in my pinkie and ring fingers. Took eight or nine months to correctly diagnose- ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. Had the surgery for that about two months ago, good as new now. I feel very fortunate, I hope the rest of you heal, quickly. Getting old sucks.

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by Vacume

not too hi-jack youre thread, but what can i do to prevent things like this happening to me?

Gentle stretching is good. Warm up by playing slowly for awhile. Use proper technique: keep your wrists as straight as possible. This means using a strap of the correct length. Wearing the bass low forces you to bend the fretting wrist, too high causes the plucking wrist to bend. Both are bad. Experiment to find the best compromise.
My carpal tunnel was probably brought on by wearing my bass too high- I had the 'bib' thing happening, with my right(plucking) wrist bent badly, for years. Some people do this and get away with it, and some people don't.
Also, focus on using as little effort as possible. I think lots of us injure our plucking hands/wrists by digging in too hard- over time, this can lead to problems like tendonitis. On the fretting hand, too much effort can lead to finger joint issues, and/or tendonitis.

[BlacksHole]

I have had problems with trigger finger and after cortisone shots, finally had to have surgery. Then I got it in another finger, and fortunately this time, cortisone worked (so far). I lift weights, but not always with proper technique and managed to develop golfer's elbow (pain on the inside of elbow). Now I lift less weight and do more sets and do the stretching exercises. Not solved yet, but I am hoping this will work because I do not plan on stopping the weight lifting and certainly not the bass playing. At my age, a long layoff could be permanent since starting again is much harder (I'm just shy of 60).

[cassius987]

Can you try playing with a pick? Whenever my hand craps occasionally out I resort to that...

[gregmerrill]

In my older age I have learned to listen to my body and take a day off if it is needed to heal a hand or finger. When I was younger I ignored and did end up paying for it by losing gigs like your situation. It is a drag to want to play but can't. The bass is such a physical instrument that can be brutal on the hands. I don't get how upright players do it.

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by Vacume

not too hi-jack youre thread, but what can i do to prevent things like this happening to me?

What I worked on was relaxing when I play. Avoiding uncomfortable angle by wearing my bass in a comfortable position and really paying attention to how I pluck and fret the strings. Despite the fact that my fingers are very tough, I don't even have visible callouses. Been at it 30+ years and so far so good.

I found that using a relatively lighter touch as the basis for my technique coupled with turning my amp up to compensate has worked wonders for me. This in turn allows me to set my tolerances much closer (pickup height/action). I can still get the sound of playing pretty hard without actually having to play very hard at all. This translates into feeling fresh even into the last set of a long gig... and afterwards.

Sometimes I'll play for ten minutes or so after the gig is over just to wind down a bit. Sometimes I even play when I get home afterwards.

hth

[krueckschloss]

Originally Posted by RAM

...anybody else ever been hampered by physical ailments preventing you from playing?

I had tendinitis 3x already. Once on my fretting hand and twice on my right plucking hand. I'm currently recovering from the latest one and working on techniques how to prevent it from happening. I learned that one thing is absolutely fatal for me - if I have an angle in my wrist:
http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto...-main_Full.jpg

Whoever has problems with the wrist, I advice to:

1. force yourself to play like this, with a floating right arm: http://img2.photographersdirect.com/...m/pd949071.jpg
2. WARM UP!!! very important

It's a re-learning process for me but it's very well worth it. I don't want to go through the tendinitis again. It usually means 3 months of very restricted playing or total absence.

Good luck all of us who've had problems with it.

Karol

[Marley's Ghost]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

What I worked on was relaxing when I play. Avoiding uncomfortable angle by wearing my bass in a comfortable position and really paying attention to how I pluck and fret the strings. Despite the fact that my fingers are very tough, I don't even have visible callouses. Been at it 30+ years and so far so good.

I found that using a relatively lighter touch as the basis for my technique coupled with turning my amp up to compensate has worked wonders for me. This in turn allows me to set my tolerances much closer (pickup height/action). I can still get the sound of playing pretty hard without actually having to play very hard at all. This translates into feeling fresh even into the last set of a long gig... and afterwards.

Sometimes I'll play for ten minutes or so after the gig is over just to wind down a bit. Sometimes I even play when I get home afterwards.

hth

This.

Relaxing and playing lightly is key.
I have my action set low and volume high, so I can use my fingers for dynamics with a light touch.

[seanm]

Some of my technique is very bad because I have to be very careful with my hands. I am a programmer, I need to be able to type for my job. I cannot afford carpal tunnel.

So I keep everything very straight and accept that I am going to get ridiculed by some TBers. That's the price to be able to play 4-6 hours gigs pain free. Well, I admit my finger tips get sore

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by seanm

Some of my technique is very bad because I have to be very careful with my hands. I am a programmer, I need to be able to type for my job. I cannot afford carpal tunnel.

So I keep everything very straight and accept that I am going to get ridiculed by some TBers. That's the price to be able to play 4-6 hours gigs pain free. Well, I admit my finger tips get sore

Laugh right back at 'em. It's your health you're looking out for and being able to continue doing something you love to do. Anyone who'd ridicule you for that is probably headed for problems... but be the bigger man and don't laugh at them if they do suffer that misfortune.

[nad]

This is what I look like when I play, with the bass body low and neck high. I'll openly admit that it does have a slight Fieldy thing going on, BUT you'll notice my wrists are incredibly straight. It helps a lot.

[sal4bass]

Originally Posted by Commreman

Bottom line is this - no matter how well you take care of yourself, time will take it's toll. For you young'ns out there, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! Don't think that you can keep playing through pain hoping that it "will go away" without understanding that all actions have consequences. You will do damage. sometimes permanent...

+10,000!

I have struggled with severe Tendinosis (scar tissue on my tendons) and mild CTS for the past 17 years as a result of playing upright and electric bass. Until last year, I was misdiagnosed as having chronic tendinitis with mild CTS. Many times I would go on anti-inflammatory meds (which bothered my stomach and made a mild case of tinnitus raging), wear splints, use heat/cold, rest a lot, then slowly get to the point I could play again. Each cycle seemed to take less playing to result in acute flair-ups. Finally even light gauge strings and ultra low action could no longer sustain my playing attempts and I largely quit playing.

In 2004 after years of only minimal playing, I tried again with the same results. So in early 2008 I sought out another specialist (my fourth) who I learned had experience with musicians and playing-related repetitive motion injuries (RMI). He sent me to ASTYM Therapy which in 8 weeks time broke down enough scar tissue to gave me a significant improvement in strength, range of motion, and endurance. It is not a cure but has allowed me to play regularly again, though I will never have the strength or endurance I once had. My playing now consists of only basses that can provide ultra low action and TI Jazz Round strings for low tension - but I can play again! (I can no longer play upright).

Here are a few links that may be of interest:

* The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health by Dr. Randal Kertz: http://tinyurl.com/mwd6vd

* A New Understanding of Overuse Injuries: http://tinyurl.com/y93yhgf

* ASTYM treatment process: http://tinyurl.com/yd7o25a

* Graston Technique (similar to ASTYM): http://tinyurl.com/yavllll

* Musicians and Injuries: http://tinyurl.com/yhm7wb4

* Hand Care for Musicians: http://tinyurl.com/yox2mu


Be patient and never assume your doctors properly understand your injury. Typically physicians label all overuse injuries "tendinitis" and prescribe meds and rest. If the problem actually is tendinitis then you should respond well to this treatment. But if your symptoms are recurrent and chronic it is worth you time to consult specialists that have experience dealing with musicians for additional treatment options.

I lost years of playing time because "specialists" misdiagnosed my RMI as chronic tendinitis/mild CTS when in fact it was tendon scar tissue causing the problems and unlike the ineffective anti-inflammatory treatments they kept prescribing, effective treatments were available to help me that they never mentioned. Just my experience - YMMV.

Also, as mentioned in previous posts, attention to technique is vitally important to long-term playing health. Best of luck to you and wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by tyreay1

I have Fybromyalgia and I can't even play until late afternoon. Each morning I wake with my arms and legs clenched. I'm on a butt load of meds but I find the best method of getting loose is to gently work the muscles combined with light extension. Not exactly the same thing but you might try this before your next practice to see if it helps. Good luck.

I had Fibromyalgia, or at least the Doc thought it was what I had. Actually, all my muscles in my arms and back had tightened up due to a lower back strain and the injury causing my to not walk properly and sleeping in odd positions. Also, long sessions at the keyboard didn't help.

After 11 months of acupuncture/deep tissue massage my muscles were finally back to normal. There was a specific location in my back the only hurt when I moved to I had 6 months of chiropractic treatment. All is good.

[PunkBassist00]

play with a pick :O

[EagleMoon]

Originally Posted by PunkBassist00

play with a pick :O

I have to do this. I usually alternate between fingers and pick as one way gets painful I move to the other way.