Alternative instrument while recovering from tendinitis

Hey folks,

I'm sad to say I have had something resembling tendinitis for a while now (maybe a couple months). It was actually diagnosed as such by a general practitioner, but I'm intending to have an opinion from an expert. First off, i'd like to ask if anyone know if there is such a thing like a "musician's doctor", any physician who specializes in injuries developed from playing an instrument. If not, which would be the closest alternative? Maybe a sports doctor or something like that? I'd like to know exactly what I have, how long it will take to heal, and how to help it heal.

Aside of that, I intend to rest from playing bass for a couple months until the damn tendinitis (or whatever the ailment of my left arm is) is healed, but I'd like to try an alternative instrument during that period: my main choices are keyboard or electronic drums. I'm also intending on working on my singing, but I'd like to play an instrument as well.

So, anyone has been there? If so, which instrument you think will be the most gentle with my arm? I don't want to give up bass at all, but I also don't want my ailment to develop further so I need to stop playing bass for a while. And I know I won't be able to stop playing music altogether for two months. I just can't, my urge to play is now pretty evident.

Thanks in advance! Peace.

 

I actually do have an ukulele, but I haven't really played it for a while. Maybe I should learn to play it, but to be honest I'd like to try more drumming, or learn the basics of the keys. Not sure if any of those would keep my injury from healing, though.

 

Ok, so any other recommendations on which doctor to go to? Instruments to play while healing?

Thanks for the reply, Sexyjazz, by the way.

 

Some good suggestions so far, guys, thanks! I just went to a traumatologist (a bass teacher recommended him) and he told me I was in the very beginnings of carpal tunnel syndrome, and that it could be treated and reversed with some laser therapy. I just hope it goes well and it heals.

As for the instrument, I'm all for improving my singing. I think I might also try the keyboards (even if I can only play with the right hand at the moment). The harmonica sounds fun too.

As for learning to play left-handed, that's exactly what my mother suggested. I'm not kidding.

 

Very true. Right now I'm kinda doing the next best thing, which is tuning my basses DGCF and using a capo on the 2nd fret (or just play it like that and I have that lower D and D#). It does feel like a short scale that way and the strings are very, very loose (action high enough to prevent most unwanted fret buzz). No investment needed, although I'd use the excuse to get one of those gorgeous higher end Ibanez soundgears... if only I had the cash. Or, as you said, I should try the uke bass.

Thanks for the best wishes and I hope you too can keep your injuries under control and keep rocking it!