Wrist flare ups and telling my bandleader.

Fassa Albrecht · #1 08-06-2008, 04:40 PM

This is not a whining thread about my wrists but a band issue, so sensible answers please.

Basically I had treatment for tendonitis a few weeks ago. Now this is a permanent problem but seems to flare-up randomly and is now getting to the point where I can go for a week or so without trouble and then all of a sudden be in agony.

Only problem is that my bandleader knows nothing of this and I am unsure of whether I should say something. The risk is that I could be pulled off band indefinitely, or be severely restricted in what I can do band-wise.

So- should I say something or put up and shut up?

bassteban · #2 08-06-2008, 04:43 PM

I refuse to respond if I have to answer sensibly.

j/k- yes, you should tell the bandleader. Common/professional courtesy. I'm sure Peter Hook would approve.

Fassa Albrecht · #3 08-06-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

I refuse to respond if I have to answer sensibly.

j/k- yes, you should tell the bandleader. Common/professional courtesy. I'm sure Peter Hook would approve.

But is it worth the risk of possibly being pulled from playing altogether when there is a chance that in 6mnths time I won't be in such pain.

baalroo · #4 08-06-2008, 05:13 PM

If you can say absolutely for sure that it won't affect your playing OR it's an unprofessional play-along sort of situation where it can be assumed a "flare up" would be treated as a "no harm no foul" sort of situation... then don't worry about it.

If money/reputation/enjoyment of others is involved, then you have an obligation to tell the band leader regardless of the impact on you. It is YOUR problem afterall, and should only be his if he so chooses to take it upon himself.

SBassman · #5 08-06-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baalroo

If you can say absolutely for sure that it won't affect your playing OR it's an unprofessional play-along sort of situation where it can be assumed a "flare up" would be treated as a "no harm no foul" sort of situation... then don't worry about it.

If money/reputation/enjoyment of others is involved, then you have an obligation to tell the band leader regardless of the impact on you. It is YOUR problem afterall, and should only be his if he so chooses to take it upon himself.

Well said

Fassa Albrecht · #6 08-06-2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baalroo

If you can say absolutely for sure that it won't affect your playing OR it's an unprofessional play-along sort of situation where it can be assumed a "flare up" would be treated as a "no harm no foul" sort of situation... then don't worry about it.

If money/reputation/enjoyment of others is involved, then you have an obligation to tell the band leader regardless of the impact on you. It is YOUR problem afterall, and should only be his if he so chooses to take it upon himself.

This is my church band I'm thinking of here. We're there to provide a backdrop for congregational worship. It's not absolutely essential I play perfectly but at the same time we're expected to be as good and as well-played as a gigging band.

My problem is that if my wrists are bad before band practice then I can make alternative arrangements. If I have a flare-up in practice or during the performance then I have no option to play- there's only a single bassist for each performance and a single bass. There is simply no wiggle room.

Darkstrike · #7 08-06-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baalroo

If you can say absolutely for sure that it won't affect your playing OR it's an unprofessional play-along sort of situation where it can be assumed a "flare up" would be treated as a "no harm no foul" sort of situation... then don't worry about it.

If money/reputation/enjoyment of others is involved, then you have an obligation to tell the band leader regardless of the impact on you. It is YOUR problem afterall, and should only be his if he so chooses to take it upon himself.

Yup, this should be the only option.

I went to a fun jam(just with friends) once with a strange wrist injury, where every now and then(read:10mins) I would get a searing, shocking bolt of pain up from my wrist, up through my forearm. Ruined the night, I was playing pick at the time, every time without fail, it'd make me drop the pick, and I'd get another bolt while trying to pick it up. Eventually the other guys had to pick up my picks for me!

No one had much fun, and if it was a serious situation, people would have been p****d off, no doubt.

Now if I'm in pain, be it back, hand, fingers, wrist, neck, or anywhere that will affect my playing, I let the guys know before hand, and either give it a pass, or take it lightly if they still want me to play.

Also, keep sport wristbands, and heavy duty sweatbands in your gigbag(or case), the support will help a lot. Especially from the padding stopping your wrist from rubbing on the edge of your bass, if that situation pops up.

Darkstrike · #8 08-06-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

This is my church band I'm thinking of here. We're there to provide a backdrop for congregational worship. It's not absolutely essential I play perfectly but at the same time we're expected to be as good and as well-played as a gigging band.

My problem is that if my wrists are bad before band practice then I can make alternative arrangements. If I have a flare-up in practice or during the performance then I have no option to play- there's only a single bassist for each performance and a single bass. There is simply no wiggle room.

Then definatly let them know.

Fassa Albrecht · #9 08-06-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

Then definatly let them know.

This is a CHURCH band we're talking about here...I'm not playing to 100000 at the O2 arena.

I mean, God knows what I'm meant to sound like, right?!

Pilgrim · #10 08-06-2008, 05:40 PM

Of COURSE you should tell the band leader.

1) It's your physical health involved, and that's much more important than playing in ANY band.
2) If it can strike without warning, you probably DO need to take a couple months off from the band and let it heal.

I have tendonitis in my right achilles tendon and have fought it for 12 years because I didn't ease up and rest it when I should have. You DO NOT want this to happen to you even if it means leaving the band. There will be other bands. But if they can fill in for you - or you can practice very lightly and not aggrevate it - then that's cool.

Darkstrike · #11 08-06-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

This is a CHURCH band we're talking about here...I'm not playing to 100000 at the O2 arena.

I mean, God knows what I'm meant to sound like, right?!

Yes, but you are entertaning people(at least I assume so, I don't know how well you play! j/k

), I'd be pretty unhappy with myself if I failed to entertain, especially if I wrecked it during a show.

Talk to them, they might be more understanding than you expect, and honesty is always best in these situations.
Learning professionalisim now will only help you in your future career, if you are pursuing a career in music.

Also, buy a sword.

Fassa Albrecht · #12 08-06-2008, 05:52 PM

It might be worth pointing out that I've had wrist/RSI issues for close to 8 years now...any damage has been done.

Fassa Albrecht · #13 08-06-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Of COURSE you should tell the band leader.

1) It's your physical health involved, and that's much more important than playing in ANY band.
2) If it can strike without warning, you probably DO need to take a couple months off from the band and let it heal.

I've had RSI and wrist issues for 8 years...I think if rest would do any good it wouldn't be such an issue and at such a stage now.

Quote:

I have tendonitis in my right achilles tendon and have fought it for 12 years because I didn't ease up and rest it when I should have. You DO NOT want this to happen to you even if it means leaving the band. There will be other bands. But if they can fill in for you - or you can practice very lightly and not aggrevate it - then that's cool.

Ouch...painful

Darkstrike · #14 08-06-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

I've had RSI and wrist issues for 8 years...I think if rest would do any good it wouldn't be such an issue and at such a stage now.

Is this just a guess or did you ask a wrist specialist?
Somehow, I don't think thats the answer you'll get, most any injury will degrade further if you abuse it.

Fassa Albrecht · #15 08-07-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

Is this just a guess or did you ask a wrist specialist?
Somehow, I don't think thats the answer you'll get, most any injury will degrade further if you abuse it.

So far I've seen at least 4 doctors, a physio and uni medical speciallists.

Darkstrike · #16 08-07-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

So far I've seen at least 4 doctors, a physio and uni medical speciallists.

And they told you your wrist would not get any worse than it is now, if you don't take it easy?

Fassa Albrecht · #17 08-07-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

And they told you your wrist would not get any worse than it is now, if you don't take it easy?

They said that even with some sort of intervention, the fact I left it so long means that there will always be some sort of damage. The fact I'm a slap-bassist doesn't help.

Darkstrike · #18 08-07-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

They said that even with some sort of intervention, the fact I left it so long means that there will always be some sort of damage. The fact I'm a slap-bassist doesn't help.

Thats not what I asked, I asked did they tell you, that it will not get worse, if you don't look after it. Some sort of damage could be a lot less than what's wrong with you now.

Also, worth a shot mabye, Thomastic Infield Jazz Rounds, light guage, low tension, will be easier on your hands, and a lighter slap attack will be necessary. I bit weird to get adjusted to, but will help, less effort on your hands/wrists.

Fassa Albrecht · #19 08-07-2008, 03:09 PM

I'm getting confused.......they said that if I don't do something I will effectively be crippled because the damage could go beyond muscle and tendons and onto nerve damage which is the last thing I need.

Darkstrike · #20 08-07-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

I'm getting confused.......they said that if I don't do something I will effectively be crippled because the damage could go beyond muscle and tendons and onto nerve damage which is the last thing I need.

Exactly, do something, tell the bandleader whats happening, wear wrist support, make sure to have a quality strap that will hold the bass up, so your not constantly trying to hold up the neck yourself, get lighter strings, learn to play with economy of motion, and do not keep on playing for the band on days where its starting to flare up.