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Left arm pain after playing for a while

Geddy_2112

Geddy_2112

Jun 29, 2013
56
2
Queens, New York
#1
I've been playing for hours a day everyday for the passed 3 days and now, in my left arm, I feel pain. Its on the right side of the forearm to the back of it. It's like in the area where the muscle is that flexes when you make a fist. How do I fix this and prevent it from happening?
 
#2
Can you post a photo of yourself playing? Then we can look at your posture and maybe give you some tips. If there is nothing wrong with your posture/technique, then maybe you are just overdoing it (hours a day). There are lots of ways to practice without actually holding the bass: sing, listen, compose, transcribe, rhythms, etc. :)
 
#4
WIN_20150703_085505.JPG
Crappy computer picture but I think my posture is pretty good. I play for a few hours or so and then I take a break and then play again. I do it a few times a day
 
#5
It's tough to say from that photo, it doesn't really show much.

The only tips I can think of are:

1. Try standing up, or sitting on a firm chair or stool (as opposed to a soft bed).

2. Your left hand fingers could be positioned a little better, closer to the frets.

Do you have a teacher?

(edit) Wait wait wait... you play for a "few hours" and then you do this a "few times a day"? Try limiting your practice time on the bass to 1-2 hours a day, nobody needs to practice technique 6-9 hours a day. You can always do some ear training or composition if you feel you need more music education in your life. ;)
 
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#6
Geddy_2112 said:
View attachment 645391
Crappy computer picture but I think my posture is pretty good. I play for a few hours or so and then I take a break and then play again. I do it a few times a day
Click to expand...

Your wrist is straight which is a good thing, but I notice that you are sitting on what seems like a couch. This wont help your posture much. Try using a chair with a back support. How many are a "few" hours ? IMO an hour at a time is ample. Not just for your wrists/hands/fingers, but also for your concentration and ability to take in information. Also, I am a great believer in doing gentle stretches before and after a practice session. Takes about three minutes and well worth it. Check You Tube for ..."Hand stretches for bass/guitar.

This clip might be of help :




EDIT : Looks like Mushroo beat me to it, with a lot of similar advice. ;)
 
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#7
I practice almost all the time on my bed but I'm going to stop that. I usually practice 3-4 hours at a time about 3 times a day. But I'm just recovering from a break of playing for a while and jumped back into what I used to do. I never really stretched before/after practicing but I know that now.
 
#8
Geddy_2112 said:
I practice almost all the time on my bed but I'm going to stop that. I usually practice 3-4 hours at a time about 3 times a day. But I'm just recovering from a break of playing for a while and jumped back into what I used to do. I never really stretched before/after practicing but I know that now.
Click to expand...

My first thought was "did you raise the action of the strings" but sounds like no. But the layoff you mentioned might mean your forearm muscles are just going to need some time to build back up. I notice certain bass lines cause some soreness in my forearm in the same place you mention. I think those muscles are overworked so I just try to be aware, stretch and deep massage.

Could you lower the action a little or will you buzz out?
 
#9
Flatwoundround said:
My first thought was "did you raise the action of the strings" but sounds like no. But the layoff you mentioned might mean your forearm muscles are just going to need some time to build back up. I notice certain bass lines cause some soreness in my forearm in the same place you mention. I think those muscles are overworked so I just try to be aware, stretch and deep massage.

Could you lower the action a little or will you buzz out?
Click to expand...

If you are playing three or four hour sessions maybe twice a day like the OP, there is a fair chance you are going to experience physical
problems...regardless of the action. ;)
 
#10
fearceol said:
If you are playing three or four hour sessions maybe twice a day like the OP, there is a fair chance you are going to experience physical
problems...regardless of the action. ;)
Click to expand...

Sorry but I have to disagree with your "insight".

With low comfortable action I can play 6 to 8 hours in a day and no discomfort at all in the area of arm that the OP is experiencing. With just a little bit higher I get that ache just after an hour or so of playing.

I am not saying with certainty this will solve his problem. But it is a possibility and it does contradict what you are saying above in your unsolicited response.
 

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