Forearm massage tools?

[Moredator]

Do you use any forearm massage tools that you could recommend? Those guns probably can do more harm than good, but some kind of rolling tools could be helpful I guess? I think my wrist and finger pain might be caused by tight muscles there and near the shoulder. They at least feel very tight. Nowadays even more in the picking hand, as I guess I have let it to rest on the edge of the bass.

I also have shoulder problems, but I try to exercise those. Most definitely part of the problem.

 

[Nuisance]

Not directly answering your question, but I would also do the following:

1. Increase your water intake.
2. Decrease your alcohol intake (if appropriate).
3. Ensure you are getting enough magnesium and potassium in your diet. A cheap test on this is to eat 2 bananas a day for a week and see if your symptoms improve. If so, consider supplements.
4. Consider trying Glucosamine supplements.

Good luck!

 

[Pacman]

Do you use any forearm massage tools that you could recommend? Those guns probably can do more harm than good, but some kind of rolling tools could be helpful I guess? I think my wrist and finger pain might be caused by tight muscles there and near the shoulder. They at least feel very tight. Nowadays even more in the picking hand, as I guess I have let it to rest on the edge of the bass.

I also have shoulder problems, but I try to exercise those. Most definitely part of the problem.

Why do you think the massage guns can do more harm than good?

 

[Ggaa]

I just massage one arm with the other, good for both. Muscles and tendons, both sides of the forearms, fingertips to elbows, stretch. Gun might be too general. Weights are good for stamina, too.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Not directly answering your question, but I would also do the following:

1. Increase your water intake.
2. Decrease your alcohol intake (if appropriate).
3. Ensure you are getting enough magnesium and potassium in your diet. A cheap test on this is to eat 2 bananas a day for a week and see if your symptoms improve. If so, consider supplements.
4. Consider trying Glucosamine supplements.

Good luck!

All great advice, I'll add on that with #3 you may want to swap the bananas for potatoes or avocados and spinach (especially if you have blood sugar or insulin resistance issues). Ensure you're getting healthy fats in there and protein too.

Some mild daily stretching and slightly more targeted stretching before playing is also a good idea.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Do you use any forearm massage tools that you could recommend? Those guns probably can do more harm than good, but some kind of rolling tools could be helpful I guess? I think my wrist and finger pain might be caused by tight muscles there and near the shoulder. They at least feel very tight. Nowadays even more in the picking hand, as I guess I have let it to rest on the edge of the bass.

I also have shoulder problems, but I try to exercise those. Most definitely part of the problem.

Doc time. Best not to self medicate before finding out what the cause is. Go it on your own and you could very well do more harm than good. Best wishes. I know this sort of thing sucks and hope you have a speedy recovery.

 

[greggster59]

Roleo Therapeutic Arm Massager

The Roleo Therapeutic Arm Massager helps treat repetitive strain injuries in the forearms, wrists and hands. Simply roll your hand and arm through the rollers for effective and relaxing deep tissue massage, releasing the tension in the muscles responsible for fluid movement of the hands and wrists.

roleomassager.com

 

[heafdogg]

I have one of these: Armaid

It works well, but I find that if I do a full body stretch and some foam rolling on my back, neck shoulders and chest before I use it, it works even better. Generally before I go to bed.

One thing that helped me is to do some stretching each day before I practice, and if I'm felling tightness, I set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes and when it beeps, I stop practicing and stretch for 5 or ten minutes. Rinse repeat.

Something I learned from a massage therapist is that tightness/soreness in your arms, hands and/or wrists stems from the bigger muscles in your body, for instance your back, chest and shoulders. If those are tight, your arms and wrists can't release, so take care of the big muscles first, then work on the smaller ones. Good luck.

Also, there is a book you can get on Stuart Clayton's site: The Bassist's guide to injury management which I have not read, but looks promising.

Heath
PS I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. This is just what works for me.

 

[albertus]

I use a powerball, used with caution, makes me feel a great relief in my forearms

 

[Fergie Fulton]

Do you use any forearm massage tools that you could recommend? Those guns probably can do more harm than good, but some kind of rolling tools could be helpful I guess? I think my wrist and finger pain might be caused by tight muscles there and near the shoulder. They at least feel very tight. Nowadays even more in the picking hand, as I guess I have let it to rest on the edge of the bass.

I also have shoulder problems, but I try to exercise those. Most definitely part of the problem.

Try these, also make sure your muscles are hydrated and warming up before playing always helps.