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Advice needed re: cramps

Discussion in 'Jazz Technique [DB]' started by martinc, Jul 2, 2003.

  1. Jul 2, 2003 #1
    martinc

    martinc In Memoriam

    Dec 12, 1999
    Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
    I have been experiencing severe cramps in the left hand pinky and ring fingers lately. I play country and bluegrass with a mixture of collapsed left hand and the "correct" way of curved fingering for runs etc.
    I have been playing for six years with no problems until now. The pinky and ring fingers just seize up against the palm of my hand after about 5 minutes of playing.
    I would appreciate any suggestions.
     
  2. Jul 2, 2003 #2
    Damon Rondeau

    Damon Rondeau Journeyman Clam Artist Supporting Member

    Nov 19, 2002
    Winnipeg, baby
    Well, martinc, that's not supposed to happen. Might not be a bad idea to get it checked out. I didn't check your location, but most large cities have some form of physiotherapy, massage, what have you, that specialize in either sports or arts or both. They might not be as likely as a plain ol' doc to tell you: stop playing!

    And, as always, a teacher can help with this too.

    I used to play with a bari sax player who was the official masseuse for the Winnipeg Jazz Festival. He massaged Rufus Reid once, left forearm and hand before a show. Rufus gave him a good review; apparently Rufus' forearm is quite the mighty implement.

    The guy did my hands a few times and it was awesome.
     
  3. Jul 2, 2003 #3
    Trevorus

    Trevorus

    Oct 18, 2002
    Urbana, IL
    cramps? that's easy... take some midol and you'll be fine!


    But seriously, I have had some in my wrist. Especially when I play barre chords on guitar. When I stretch a bit on bass, it can start to do it, but not as much.
     
  4. Jul 3, 2003 #4
    martinc

    martinc In Memoriam

    Dec 12, 1999
    Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
    I appreciate the responses, especially the website link and suggestions from CB3000. I think I will begin my practicing with some of the exercises that are shown.
    Thank you.
    Martin.
     
  5. Jul 3, 2003 #5
    toman

    toman Guest

    Jun 3, 2003
    the end of the section
    I try to always do some simple stretches before I'm goingto play for any extended time; and I also make sure to take a few seconds every now and then to relax my hands and arms, shake them out a little and restretch. It definately helps during long symphony rehersals; I notice it if I forget to stretch. Talking to a doctor or someone otherwise qualified also sounds like a good idea, and it can't do any harm... Good luck!