Double Bass Locking finger syndrome - muscle cramps?

[biguglyman]

Our body needs the ratios of Sodium: Potassium and Calcium:Magnesium to be in the right balance to prevent cramping.

What is the best way to achieve this balance? I try eating and drinking the right stuff and taking supplements but getting the ratio right enough to avoid cramping seems hit or miss.

 

[LBS-bass]

I had a similar issue due to playing too many hours in one day and I have not had a problem since adding some electrolytes to my drinking water daily. I bought a solution online that gives me potassium, magnesium, and other things that my body needs.

 

[Groove Doctor]

What is the best way to achieve this balance? I try eating and drinking the right stuff and taking supplements but getting the ratio right enough to avoid cramping seems hit or miss.

That's outside of my area.

I'd suggest visiting a Sports Nutritionist, Biochemist and/or Naturopath - with success in dealing with higher level athletes.

 

[okcrum]

I wondered about this when it would occasionally happen, so I measured my weight before and after gigs for a few months and discovered I lost about a pound of water weight per 45 min. set. That got me serious about maintaining electrolytes and staying hydrated.

 

[JRA]

Gatorade

i'm with everyone who poo-poos the sugar/stuff, but: gatorade is ubiquitous --- and it works. i drink it for exactly the issue you describe (prevention). it can be more than a little disconcerting to lose control of your fingers when you need them!

when i'm not playing: i up the potassium with a banana.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

What is the best way to achieve this balance? I try eating and drinking the right stuff and taking supplements but getting the ratio right enough to avoid cramping seems hit or miss.

That's kind of the burning question for me at this point. I'm starting to think that drinking an electrolyte drink right before the gig is looking like the way to go next.

 

[Stumbo]

I had a similar issue due to playing too many hours in one day and I have not had a problem since adding some electrolytes to my drinking water daily. I bought a solution online that gives me potassium, magnesium, and other things that my body needs.

Which solution did you get?

 

[2strings2frets]

I have seen in other threads that drinking pickle juice provides near instant relief for cramps. My wife gets leg cramps and it seems to work for her. Also I had an uncle who was troubled by arthritis and after an accidental encounter with a swarm of bees his arthritis disappeared. Painfully effective.

 

[GlenParks]

+1 for magnesium

Part of my dailies.
I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and get lockey arthritic bs and other goofy symptoms now in DB pursuit. Turmeric also seems to have good anti-inflammatory action to it, my gf whips it up with apple cider vinegar and it seems to help.

 

[lurk]

Not sure about your age, but from the pics I am guessing you are quite a bit younger than my 70, but pretty solidly into middle age. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it might be time to consider a lighter set up. Lots of guys are able to get big sounds that function well with a section using lighter, lower strings. You know a few, I'm sure. This cramping is a sign, and while good nutrition and various natural nostrums are good, you need to plan for 30 years ahead.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

@lurk if you are directing your comments my way, I'll be 55 this summer, and am hoping to squeeze another 10 years out of my current setup before going lighter. The sound is just too glorious!

Of course, if god starts talking to me through my body, I'll listen. Right now I'm just hoping she's telling me to stay better hydrated!

 

[DrayMiles]

I'm agreeing with the acupuncture suggestion... As well as checking diet and hydration...
I've been there, but I have another suggestion... It's just my opinion...

You're going to have to learn to eliminate ALL extra tension out of your arms, shoulders et. al.
You're probably going to need to evaluate how to use ONLY the energy needed to move a string...

and no more...

Complete relaxation... But here's the kicker IMO...

Complete relaxation during the gig. Not practice, not rehearsals... the gig.

You may practice like a fiend, but at work, use very little energy as possible...
IMO.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

@DrayMiles yeah, it's no accident this happens during gigs and not in practice. Sort of a "heat of battle" thing, I guess. Will keep that in mind, especially as the years go by.

 

[DrayMiles]

@DrayMiles yeah, it's no accident this happens during gigs and not in practice. Sort of a "heat of battle" thing, I guess. Will keep that in mind, especially as the years go by.

"As the years go passing by..." - Albert King

I'm with you bro. That's why I said during the gig, we've got to play with absolutely no tension. We can stop at home or practice, but on a gig, it's a whole other bag...