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Do I have any hope of playing again?

L

LotusCarsLtd52

Dec 6, 2009
398
1
#1
So I've stopped playing bass due to wrist pain that has now spread up my arm (likely due to computer use...cut back on that as much as possible given that I have to use one at work). I have a physical in December to get checked out so I hope to get help for it then.

But I've also given-up a lot of hope that it'll get better and that I'll ever be able to play again. For those who've had CTS, tendinitis, or tendinosis and have been treated for it, were you ever able to play bass again?
 
#2
LotusCarsLtd52 said:
So I've stopped playing bass due to wrist pain that has now spread up my arm (likely due to computer use...cut back on that as much as possible given that I have to use one at work). I have a physical in December to get checked out so I hope to get help for it then.

But I've also given-up a lot of hope that it'll get better and that I'll ever be able to play again. For those who've had CTS, tendinitis, or tendinosis and have been treated for it, were you ever able to play bass again?
Click to expand...


I had tendonitis for six months. Nothing did any good. Then I tried this: iced the tendons down and massaged the heck out of them, twice a day.

After the second day I was better. After the fourth day I was cured and it never came back.
 
#3
Find a good massage therapist, one who specializes in pain relief... They can get you straight very quickly. In the meantime, minimize use of the keyboard, and playing wherever possible.
I speak from experience because I am a pain relief specialist L.M.T. and even teach it here locally. Ask around, someone you know can point you toward a good massage therapist.
 
#5
Icing the wrists/hands or any parts that hurt 2/3 times per day especially before going to sleep and especially NOT before using the "iced" part of the body, swimming and back exercising + massage therapist got me to full recovery 10 years ago. But I was in a big big mess (couldn't open a yoghurt or hand a book straight while lying in bed...).
On a regular basis, good stretches and exercises for the overall body as well as drinking enough water and playing in a good position should prevent injuries. Icing and rest would be the first step if the wrists hurt. Massage therapist next.
 
#6
...once you've gotten it checked out by a specialist, find a good teacher.

I mean, a really good teacher. And sit down with him/her and explain your situation. I suffered a nasty injury a few years back that I thought was going to spell the end of my musical career - it did spell the end of my violin playing, but with my teacher's help I was able to devise a new hand position and technique that enabled me to play without pain or risk of damage.

Good luck!
 
#7
I was having pain in my left hand and arm, along with spots of numbness. It extended from fingers to triceps. Turned out it was not my arm, wrist, or hand, but the muscles in my neck. I was studying a bunch for a work related exam, and my scalene muscles tightened up real bad. Nerves were being pinched and pain was being felt in my arm. Turns out many people who think they have carpal tunnel have similar issues. Sitting hunched over at a computer causes it as well.

I ended up having to do some very painful deep tissue massage, saw a chiropractor for a while and now I do a lot of stretching. I keep it at bay by doing lots of stretching and posture exercises. At work while using my computer, which is all day long, I keep the keyboard up high and lean back.
 
#9
I've had two surgeries- first for CTS (carpal release), then years later ulnar nerve at the elbow(cubital tunnel) release. Good as new, aside from some numbness around my elbow, which I've learned to live with(doesn't affect function at all) . Go to a doctor specializing in hand/arm issues and find out what your options are. Surgery should always be a last resort, but for me was the only solution after many years of struggle.
 

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