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Elbow Pain after a gig

Anjohl

Anjohl

Oct 2, 2010
269
442
#1
I played for about 3 hours last Wednesday, and 4.5 hours the Wednesday before, with no breaks. I played a bit of guitar that week in between, and noticed no issues.

When I got up on Thursday, I had some minor pain on the very tip of my left elbow (my fretting hand's arm), but it was a mild nuisance at worst. Later that evening, I was playing guitar for about 40 minutes at the shop, and then took the dog for a walk. This was around 6pm. When I was on the trail, my elbow started hurting more. When I got back to the car, I found it hard to even find a way to position my left arm that was comfortable. The very tip was *super* tender, and I had a small drop in grip strength, with the pain radiating up the pinky side of the forearm somewhat (I had trouble finding a sleeping position as well, as I sleep on my left side primarily, but I managed).

When I got home, I applied some "Deep Cold" to it (which I have done 1-2 times a day since), and have been only playing for short 10-15 minute sessions for the most part for the past few days. The pain has diminished significantly, is now just in the elbow tip, and is *much* duller than before. I can lean on it somewhat now, which would have been *very* painful at the worst of it. I have gone hours at a time without even noticing it.

I had three short guitar sessions today, and didn't notice any discomfort of any kind. It seems like the issue peaked on Thursday evening, and has been diminishing ever since.

My tentative plan was to skip performing this week, and treating it with a combo of Deep Cold and ice, and see how it goes. I made the mistake of googling it, and of course scared the poop out of myself. Should I book an appointment with my family doctor?

I remember having similar pain in the past when I was much younger and played for hours a day every day. I am thinking it's just a case of overuse, and that I just need to start splitting our gigs into 45 min sets with a break, instead of going straight through. I used a new bass and strap for both sessions and I think my strap was lower than it normally is, which maybe could have contributed?

Thoughts?
 
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#3
Anjohl said:
I played for about 3 hours last Wednesday, and 4.5 hours the Wednesday before, with no breaks. I played a bit of guitar that week in between, and noticed no issues.

When I got up on Thursday, I had some minor pain on the very tip of my left elbow (my fretting hand's arm), but it was a mild nuisance at worst. Later that evening, I was playing guitar for about 40 minutes at the shop, and then took the dog for a walk. This was around 6pm. When I was on the trail, my elbow started hurting more. When I got back to the car, I found it hard to even find a way to position my left arm that was comfortable. The very tip was *super* tender, and I had a small drop in grip strength, with the pain radiating up the pinky side of the forearm somewhat (I had trouble finding a sleeping position as well, as I sleep on my left side primarily, but I managed).

When I got home, I applied some "Deep Cold" to it (which I have done 1-2 times a day since), and have been only playing for short 10-15 minute sessions for the most part for the past few days. The pain has diminished significantly, is now just in the elbow tip, and is *much* duller than before. I can lean on it somewhat now, which would have been *very* painful at the worst of it. I have gone hours at a time without even noticing it.

I had three short guitar sessions today, and didn't notice any discomfort of any kind. It seems like the issue peaked on Thursday evening, and has been diminishing ever since.

My tentative plan was to skip performing this week, and treating it with a combo of Deep Cold and ice, and see how it goes. I made the mistake of googling it, and of course scared the poop out of myself. Should I book an appointment with my family doctor?

I remember having similar pain in the past when I was much younger and played for hours a day every day. I am thinking it's just a case of overuse, and that I just need to start splitting our gigs into 45 min sets with a break, instead of going straight through. I used a new bass and strap for both sessions and I think my strap was lower than it normally is, which maybe could have contributed?

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Sounds like bursitis. I’d see a doc if I were you.

3 or 4 hours of playing without a break will do it to you.
 
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#6
Strain! 3 hours without 1 break is doable but, at least 1-15 minute time out is a good thing, even for a 3 hour gig. 4 hours straight through isn't a good idea at all. Left arm in that position that long is a problem, especially if not used to it. If it comes to that play time again, drop your left arm to your side between songs. That is necessary anyway (no matter how long the gig) and a good practice.

I found almost the same situation when I was Touring. Playing up to 4 nights a week got pretty tough at times. Especially when being a little run down. I have good technique but, was still wear n tear. Mine was with my left forearm.

Manager knew something was up and asked what was wrong? He brought me Epsom Salt and a dish pan. Yup, as warm water as I could stand and that added to it. Soaked until the water started to cool off. Worked wonders for me when I needed it. Whoda thunk it! Pain during or after play is an indication you are doing something your body doesn't like. Try the arm drop anyway it helped me. Eventually your back will chime in. Breaks are necessary!
 
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#7
Anjohl said:
I played for about 3 hours last Wednesday, and 4.5 hours the Wednesday before, with no breaks. I played a bit of guitar that week in between, and noticed no issues.

When I got up on Thursday, I had some minor pain on the very tip of my left elbow (my fretting hand's arm), but it was a mild nuisance at worst. Later that evening, I was playing guitar for about 40 minutes at the shop, and then took the dog for a walk. This was around 6pm. When I was on the trail, my elbow started hurting more. When I got back to the car, I found it hard to even find a way to position my left arm that was comfortable. The very tip was *super* tender, and I had a small drop in grip strength, with the pain radiating up the pinky side of the forearm somewhat (I had trouble finding a sleeping position as well, as I sleep on my left side primarily, but I managed).

When I got home, I applied some "Deep Cold" to it (which I have done 1-2 times a day since), and have been only playing for short 10-15 minute sessions for the most part for the past few days. The pain has diminished significantly, is now just in the elbow tip, and is *much* duller than before. I can lean on it somewhat now, which would have been *very* painful at the worst of it. I have gone hours at a time without even noticing it.

I had three short guitar sessions today, and didn't notice any discomfort of any kind. It seems like the issue peaked on Thursday evening, and has been diminishing ever since.

My tentative plan was to skip performing this week, and treating it with a combo of Deep Cold and ice, and see how it goes. I made the mistake of googling it, and of course scared the poop out of myself. Should I book an appointment with my family doctor?

I remember having similar pain in the past when I was much younger and played for hours a day every day. I am thinking it's just a case of overuse, and that I just need to start splitting our gigs into 45 min sets with a break, instead of going straight through. I used a new bass and strap for both sessions and I think my strap was lower than it normally is, which maybe could have contributed?

Thoughts?
Click to expand...


Sounds like it could be golfers/tennis elbow, depending which side of the forearm the pain is.

I've had both, on and off, for years (mostly off). Stretching coupled to some careful forearm exercises (rubber bands are great for that as they offer a very progressive resistance). Check youtube for videos. Just don't be in a hurry, and don't stop when there's no pain. Keep at it, a little bit a few times a day, and keep doing it.
 
#9
One thing that has and still helps me is a small elastic brace for the elbow that you can buy in your local pharmacy. It helps to ease the pain and discomfort. Another thing that helped me a lot was a series of massages on the affected area by helping to break up the knots in the muscles. Sounds like you need to take breaks during your gigs to rest your arm. You may be pressing too hard on the strings without realizing it. Maybe focus on not playing so hard during a gig. If all else fails then see an orthopedic doctor for and injection and give the arm a long break if you can. Good luck.;)
 
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#10
Anjohl said:
I played for about 3 hours last Wednesday, and 4.5 hours the Wednesday before, with no breaks. I played a bit of guitar that week in between, and noticed no issues.

When I got up on Thursday, I had some minor pain on the very tip of my left elbow (my fretting hand's arm), but it was a mild nuisance at worst. Later that evening, I was playing guitar for about 40 minutes at the shop, and then took the dog for a walk. This was around 6pm. When I was on the trail, my elbow started hurting more. When I got back to the car, I found it hard to even find a way to position my left arm that was comfortable. The very tip was *super* tender, and I had a small drop in grip strength, with the pain radiating up the pinky side of the forearm somewhat (I had trouble finding a sleeping position as well, as I sleep on my left side primarily, but I managed).

When I got home, I applied some "Deep Cold" to it (which I have done 1-2 times a day since), and have been only playing for short 10-15 minute sessions for the most part for the past few days. The pain has diminished significantly, is now just in the elbow tip, and is *much* duller than before. I can lean on it somewhat now, which would have been *very* painful at the worst of it. I have gone hours at a time without even noticing it.

I had three short guitar sessions today, and didn't notice any discomfort of any kind. It seems like the issue peaked on Thursday evening, and has been diminishing ever since.

My tentative plan was to skip performing this week, and treating it with a combo of Deep Cold and ice, and see how it goes. I made the mistake of googling it, and of course scared the poop out of myself. Should I book an appointment with my family doctor?

I remember having similar pain in the past when I was much younger and played for hours a day every day. I am thinking it's just a case of overuse, and that I just need to start splitting our gigs into 45 min sets with a break, instead of going straight through. I used a new bass and strap for both sessions and I think my strap was lower than it normally is, which maybe could have contributed?

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
 
#12
Stop playing for about a week. Unless there is something drastically wrong your family doctor won’t be much help. Rest. Ice it if you feel the need. Sounds like you over did it. Pains that come with getting older and being a musician.
 
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#13
Anjohl said:
I played for about 3 hours last Wednesday, and 4.5 hours the Wednesday before, with no breaks. I played a bit of guitar that week in between, and noticed no issues.

When I got up on Thursday, I had some minor pain on the very tip of my left elbow (my fretting hand's arm), but it was a mild nuisance at worst. Later that evening, I was playing guitar for about 40 minutes at the shop, and then took the dog for a walk. This was around 6pm. When I was on the trail, my elbow started hurting more. When I got back to the car, I found it hard to even find a way to position my left arm that was comfortable. The very tip was *super* tender, and I had a small drop in grip strength, with the pain radiating up the pinky side of the forearm somewhat (I had trouble finding a sleeping position as well, as I sleep on my left side primarily, but I managed).

When I got home, I applied some "Deep Cold" to it (which I have done 1-2 times a day since), and have been only playing for short 10-15 minute sessions for the most part for the past few days. The pain has diminished significantly, is now just in the elbow tip, and is *much* duller than before. I can lean on it somewhat now, which would have been *very* painful at the worst of it. I have gone hours at a time without even noticing it.

I had three short guitar sessions today, and didn't notice any discomfort of any kind. It seems like the issue peaked on Thursday evening, and has been diminishing ever since.

My tentative plan was to skip performing this week, and treating it with a combo of Deep Cold and ice, and see how it goes. I made the mistake of googling it, and of course scared the poop out of myself. Should I book an appointment with my family doctor?

I remember having similar pain in the past when I was much younger and played for hours a day every day. I am thinking it's just a case of overuse, and that I just need to start splitting our gigs into 45 min sets with a break, instead of going straight through. I used a new bass and strap for both sessions and I think my strap was lower than it normally is, which maybe could have contributed?

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Sounds like golfer’s or tennis elbow. I’ve had both and it is not fun. PT helps, but usually it will clear up on its own. From what my doc told me, this is caused by micro tears in the soft tissues the elbow. When this occurs the body sends inflammation to the affected area to clean up these loose fibers as well as letting you know in no uncertain terms you have a problem and to remind you not to overdo it while healing take place.

Having had periodic episodes over the last 15 years, the best thing is not to do anything that is going to stress the joint. Like lifting weights, sleeping with your wrist bent severely to name a few. Certain foods like ginger is good for reducing inflammation. Ice and elevation is good as well. Cortisone shots will reduce inflammation and you likely not have as much pain. The trade off is it isn’t a cure, and may prolong recovery.

Currently I’m experiencing a mild case in my right elbow, due to moving amps an speaker cabs around musical , dragging and reeling watering hoses for our lawn, and yesterday hauling a couple of 40lb bags of potting soil for our raised planters.

I hope your’s clears up sooner than later.
 
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#15
I would have it seen to by someone with MD after their name.

In the meantime, when it's bad, the old athlete's routine of 15 minutes ice pack/15 minutes heating pad, 30 min break from the 2, rinse and repeat as necessary. IF your GI can tolerate it, aspirin is good for this, especially the Bayer 'Back and Body' 500mg monsters, next best thing to prescription pain meds, again, if you can tolerate aspirin and are taking no other meds the aspirin would disturb.
 
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#16
Since the lockdown I’ve upped my practice game substantially. In fact, I think last year was the busiest I’ve been in terms of development & improvement on the instrument.

Along came the overuse issues, most likely the aforementioned common tennis / golf elbow problems.

Cutting back was the best medicine. That and practicing much more pianissimo and trying not to overdo it.

FWIW yes please consult a medical professional, but for me, reducing practice time, ice & heat, gentle stretching & massage, & OTC anti inflammatories seems to have helped greatly reduce the symptoms.
 
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#18
Hey folks, thanks for the tips an advice. I feel like I am slowly on the mend, definitely on the mend here! I hae an appointment booked for Thursday morning. We are scheduled to jam Wednesday night. If I go down at all, it will be for a single 45-50 minute set at most, after which point I will leave. I have been playing guitar a little every day with no issue (knock on wood).

I will post an update after I see the doc!
 
#19
Sounds like ulnar nerve related stuff. Mine swells in both elbows and so the pinky and pinky side half of my ring fingers go numb. Good to see you have a doc appointment. IF they find nothing wrong, what I've found helps is wrist wrests and such for when on the computer (I work IT) and taking periodic breaks to straighten out my arm and move them around. Not like I can't do a set or two, just something to be aware of in the future.
 
#20
Low End Scum said:
Sounds like ulnar nerve related stuff. Mine swells in both elbows and so the pinky and pinky side half of my ring fingers go numb. Good to see you have a doc appointment. IF they find nothing wrong, what I've found helps is wrist wrests and such for when on the computer (I work IT) and taking periodic breaks to straighten out my arm and move them around. Not like I can't do a set or two, just something to be aware of in the future.
Click to expand...
I did have tendonitis-related ulnar nerve issues in the past, but they haven't acted up in years. The doc figures it was just a case of overdoing it, but gave me a prescription for anti-biotics in case in worsens. I played for 3-ish hours last night, but with breaks and stretching, and I am no worse for the wear here today *knock on wood*.
 

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