• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Anyone with elbow problems?

BeowulfKingsley

BeowulfKingsley

Nov 9, 2010
259
87
Ann Arbor Michigan
www.beowulfkingsley.com
#1
I'm having severe problems with my elbow joint and the tendons leading from there to my right hand. At this point I've had to take a break from practicing and playing upright at all...doctor's orders, although they say I should be able to play again within a month or so. As I'm really just starting to make progress on my arco technique, it's frustrating, but I'd rather wait and play pain-free than wreck my arm for life. I'm not sure whether my practice schedule caused the problem, or my day job (I'm the hands-on owner of a small cleaning company...ah the glamor...and I lift cleaning equipment and ply a vacuum a LOT), or both. I'm just wondering if other folks have problems like this and what they do to address them. I'm primarily playing Swing and Roots Rock out on stage, so I use Jazz-style pizz as well as a moderate amount of slap technique, and my Classical studies are for myself, working with a teacher through the George Vance books (I'm playing with a German bow, by the way). I'm really loving doing that, but I want to avoid hurting myself. Any advice would be appreciated! I'm posting this in both the Jazz and Classical Technique pages.
 
#3
I've experienced this off and on for years. It could be the combination of vacuum and bass that took your elbow over the edge. You have to make sure you make all of the movements necessary in your job and bass playing as ergonomic and easy on your body as possible. I have had success with acupuncture and massage on sore tendons. An athletic forearm wrap can also be helpful. Check out the book, "Trigger Point Therapy" by Clare Davies.
 
#6
There is a velcro-fastened strap that you can put around your forearm not far from your elbow. This will limit the amount of movement as your muscles expand and contract, and give some relief as well as let you still use your hand (with care). Tennis players use it for relief when they have a "tennis elbow" injury.

Manage your recovery carefully and gradually return to full-on playing, being careful not to keep re-injuring yourself. Later when better carefully analyse your various RH tasks, perhaps squeeze a soft rubber "stress ball" to build up strength, and definitely find out about some simple stretches that will help avoid a recurrence.

Best wishes,
DP
 
#7
I had elbow issues about two years ago that lasted over a year. It was a combination of too much playing, weightlifting and tennis. It sounds like you have Lateral epicondylitis ( [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] ), commonly known as tennis elbow. Definitely take a break from playing, ice it, and try some NSAID (ibuprofen). See a doctor.

I had a couple cortisone shots which lasted about 6 months each. When the pain returned I saw an orthopedic specialist and we decided on surgery. That was a good move. The procedure is simple and very effective.

Someone mentioned a squeeze ball. Physical therapists had me doing this:
get a Flex-Bar ( [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] _
and do bends with it. You want to do very light resistance with high reps - that strengthens tendons. Also, wrap a string with a light weight to it and do rollups. Again, the way to strengthen a tendon is through very high reps with very low weights.

This is what I went through. I am not a doctor but a classical bassist and music teacher. SEE A DOCTOR. But I am now pain free and back at 100%.

Good luck and if you have any questions please ask or pm!!
 
#8
What you have is a repetitive strain type injury. Yes, the work you do combine with bass playing can lead to elbow tendon and forearm pain. Typically rest is prescribed as well as anti inflammatory meds, ice, cortisone injections, stretching etc. Not all tendon injuries are inflammatory (tendonitis) in nature, tendonosis refers to degeneration (tearing, poor repair) of tendons. Treating tendonosis with anti inflammatory meds or cortisone does not help in the long run. Ideally you should consult with a very good physical therapist - ask around and find one that has experience with this condition. Also do an internet research on tendonosis versus tendonitis. Massage, stretching/strengthening and rest all have a place in the healing tool box. One issue I see a lot is folks with elbow pain tend to be "over grippers". They grasp tools etc too hard and use their forearms in isolation instead of using their whole body efficiently. If you vaccum by standing still and pulling the handle back and forth with your shoulder and body still you will over use the forearm/elbow for pulling/pushing. If you rock back and forth with your whole body the force is distributed to bigger muscles and bigger movements. This is just one example. Reviewing your work habits is just as important as reviewing bass technique
 
#10
I went to physical therapy for this problem and one exercise did wonders:place hands on a sturdy table in front of you with the hands turned so the wrists face the front, lean you body forward so that you are placing a little wieth on the arem sand then flex them to straight and bakc fore several repetitions. That really helpd me. Also, are you sitting back from the bass and pulling with the arms? Try leaning more over the bass but with a straight back to get some of your upper body weight helping you to move the string. you want to keep you legs relaxed but pretty much perpendicular to the floor and then bend straight at the waist and shift your balance over the bass to allow you body wieght to help you. That should help you very much, it did me, my elbow pain is gone (I play about a 100 gigs a year) but now am having other issues with my foot (sigh, always something).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back