I'm having what appears to be arthritis pain, mostly in my right hand, middle fingers, aggravated by bowing as well as jazz pizz. Has anyone found relief that I could consider? Thanks!!
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Double Bass Help with hand arthritis pain?
- Thread starter jbasski
- Start date
Age has a lot to do with this. So do inherited joint problems, previous injuries and repetitive stress. It would be smart to check these issues out with a doctor.
All things being equal, you might consider trying a different kind of bow for arco.... While I haven't tried it myself, I've read a number of folks here prefer a German bow for the RH posture that these bows encourage. Or if you're already using a German bow, maybe occasionally try a French bow just for changing posture.
Similarly some analysis of your pizz posture might help determine options there.
Generic hand exercises might help too, although your doctor might be able to get you into an occupational or physical therapist to give you exact things to do to help.
As someone with hand problems, I'm sympathetic. I hope your situation gets better.
All things being equal, you might consider trying a different kind of bow for arco.... While I haven't tried it myself, I've read a number of folks here prefer a German bow for the RH posture that these bows encourage. Or if you're already using a German bow, maybe occasionally try a French bow just for changing posture.
Similarly some analysis of your pizz posture might help determine options there.
Generic hand exercises might help too, although your doctor might be able to get you into an occupational or physical therapist to give you exact things to do to help.
As someone with hand problems, I'm sympathetic. I hope your situation gets better.
Switching bow types sounds like something to try. There are also alternative plucking techniques. I pluck with two parallel fingers at once -- there's a picture in Rufus Reid's book if you'd like me to included it here. This is different than the more traditional side of the index finger. I'm learning the side finger technique to rest my hand from the two finger technique, but you could try going in the opposite direction. Also, @Chris Fitzgerald has a great video that shows right hand pizz with a loose and fluid motion that I've applied to the two finger technique, and I think it helps. If anybody has gotten through a career of pizz playing without getting killed, it's Chris.
I follow threads like these with interest, since I'm 61, and I need to get at least another couple decades in before I switch to Fender bass.
I follow threads like these with interest, since I'm 61, and I need to get at least another couple decades in before I switch to Fender bass.
The first question is: Do you know for sure it is arthritis? Have you had an Xray of your hand to show the presence of arthritis and that there is no more cartilage in the joints in your hand?
I ask because I have mid-foot arthritis, and the Xrays clearly show the space between the joints. Inflammation causes the pain.
I think the suggestions to change your technique are excellent, and hope they work.
Getting some relief from my mid-foot arthritis is now down to an occasional cortisone shot in the joint; nothing else has worked. I also just got a prescription filled for a topical anti-inflammatory; haven't tried it yet so don't know if it will work. It is prescription strength, 3X the amount of active ingredient compared to Voltaren or other over-the-counter creams. But, it is expensive and not covered by insurance - $52 for 60 grams.
I ask because I have mid-foot arthritis, and the Xrays clearly show the space between the joints. Inflammation causes the pain.
I think the suggestions to change your technique are excellent, and hope they work.
Getting some relief from my mid-foot arthritis is now down to an occasional cortisone shot in the joint; nothing else has worked. I also just got a prescription filled for a topical anti-inflammatory; haven't tried it yet so don't know if it will work. It is prescription strength, 3X the amount of active ingredient compared to Voltaren or other over-the-counter creams. But, it is expensive and not covered by insurance - $52 for 60 grams.
Thanks for the input, I'm 75 now, so, at the least, it's been a good run!Switching bow types sounds like something to try. There are also alternative plucking techniques. I pluck with two parallel fingers at once -- there's a picture in Rufus Reid's book if you'd like me to included it here. This is different than the more traditional side of the index finger. I'm learning the side finger technique to rest my hand from the two finger technique, but you could try going in the opposite direction. Also, @Chris Fitzgerald has a great video that shows right hand pizz with a loose and fluid motion that I've applied to the two finger technique, and I think it helps. If anybody has gotten through a career of pizz playing without getting killed, it's Chris.
I follow threads like these with interest, since I'm 61, and I need to get at least another couple decades in before I switch to Fender bass.
One thing to check is if it's Rheumatoid arthritis or Osteo Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, there's medication you can take that will keep it from getting worse. Osteo, no such luck. So big difference.
