When Your Wrists Let You Down

[srptopdog]

I'm doing much better thanks. I am still nowhere near "normal" but I no longer feel fearful to play for an hour or two. I pay very close attention to how my wrists feel at all times and avoid activities that bother them. Cutting grass with the high vibration sets them off every time so I have others do that now. My biggest concern remains the inability to lift heavy objects without causing problems for a couple of days. That is no problem when I play through a house amp but when I get back to needing to haul my own gear around it may become an issue quickly. The use of a hand truck should help. The main focus now is to prevent further injury and the doc tells me it may take a few more months to get back to where I was prior to the latest injury.

I've maintained extra light gauge strings on all my basses. When hand bothers me the most I play the short scale Allen Woody for lowest string tension and spacing which does help. But on a good night like last night I played my Cirrus with no problems so hopefully I can continue to build endurance over time.

I wish I had known about these types of chronic repetitive motion injuries when I got started in the late 1970s to have avoided all this. But being able to play again is a great feeling and I truly enjoy every minute of playing now.

Yea, pretty much ditto for me. I can still do work around the house, but I have to be careful how I move my wrist. In some cases I can exert and lift with a good amount of force. Other times not. It seem that having this ailment and managing it is much about re-learning overything we do with that hand/wrist.

I'm thinking this thread is coming to a close - at least for now. I'll see about an update in a months or so.

Good luck, and blessings to you and yours.

Salvatore ~

 

[sal4bass]

I'm thinking this thread is coming to a close - at least for now. I'll see about an update in a months or so...


Salvatore ~

Agreed.

I appreciate all the wonderful posts containing tips and encouragement throughout this thread!!!

I too will plan to give an update in a month or two or if I come across anything of significance for the thread.

It has been a real blessing to me.

 

[JackANSI]

I've found that toying with the 'hang' of your bass really makes a huge difference. When I'm feeling limber and want to 'look cool' I wear a very long strap and play near my knees. If my wrists/arms/etc are giving me trouble I wear a pretty short strap that actually holds my bass just above where it sits on my knee when I play seated.

Tennis elbow straps really work well too. I keep one in my bass case at all times.

 

[paganjack]

when my left wrist causes me discomfort, i feel like its because im collapsing it. I have fairly big hands, but tiny little wrists- seems to be a bad combo for this sort of thing. So if i ever plan on playing the bass for more than like 20 minutes i use athletic tape to force my arms/wrists to stay straight. Ive noticed that this eliminates the discomfort, and i can actually play a lot better. i noticed a post or two from people who use this, but its a cheap expedient that helps me a lot. It's totally worth the weird looks i get from bandmates.

 

[srptopdog]

when my left wrist causes me discomfort, i feel like its because im collapsing it. I have fairly big hands, but tiny little wrists- seems to be a bad combo for this sort of thing. So if i ever plan on playing the bass for more than like 20 minutes i use athletic tape to force my arms/wrists to stay straight. Ive noticed that this eliminates the discomfort, and i can actually play a lot better. i noticed a post or two from people who use this, but its a cheap expedient that helps me a lot. It's totally worth the weird looks i get from bandmates.

Hey, if it's working for you I see no reason not to go with it. The important thing to remember is that once you get tendonitis (and I hope you don't) you have it forever. That is not to say that it will bother you forever, but when you get tendonitis the result is scaring on the tendons itself, and the scars never heal. If you get discomfort when playing don't ignore it or play through it, becuase that's how you can get a permenant injury.

Good luck.

Salvatore ~

 

[srptopdog]

Hey Sal,

I thought you might get a kick out of this, but once I got the Ibanez SR405QM home and played it for a few days I realized I didn't like the sound!

I ended up returning it (my 3rd return!), and settling on a MIK Spector 5 string, the legend classic I believe it's called. Yes, it cost me more $$, but worth it. Wow, I love this bass! The action is good for my wrist issues, and the sound is night-and-day compared to the Ibanez (not putting the IBZ down or anything - but just for my taste). The fit and finish on this bass is excellent, and apparently there is a very high level of quality control that goes in to making the MIK Spectors. EMG passive pups, with active tone (bass & treble). I'm keeping this one.

BTW - if there is anyone out there looking for a Schecter Diamond Series J-bass (creme with/red pearl pick guard & RWN) feel free to PM me.

Peace...

Salvatore ~

PS - how's the wrist?

 

[MrLenny]

Left arm, Ulna nerve atrified(hardning up). This nerve controls the
ring and small finger. Fingers are permanently bent and crooked. Pinkie
does not work some nights. heavy pain Rx to get thru a gig. still playing
which in turn is therapy for the two fingers.
Sucks, especially after 20 years of playing.
If you get really frustrated try teaching, my buddy does and he can't play an instrument anymore (arthritis) but has a wealth of experience.
Good Luck!

 

[sal4bass]

I have fairly big hands, but tiny little wrists- seems to be a bad combo for this sort of thing.

Yep, that is how my arms and wrists are also. The doctor told me that definitely contributes to the problem.

 

[sal4bass]

I've found that toying with the 'hang' of your bass really makes a huge difference. When I'm feeling limber and want to 'look cool' I wear a very long strap and play near my knees. If my wrists/arms/etc are giving me trouble I wear a pretty short strap that actually holds my bass just above where it sits on my knee when I play seated.

Tennis elbow straps really work well too. I keep one in my bass case at all times.

No doubt about it. The angle of the wrist is greatly affected by the height of the bass on the strap.

 

[sal4bass]

Hey Sal,

I thought you might get a kick out of this, but once I got the Ibanez SR405QM home and played it for a few days I realized I didn't like the sound!

I ended up returning it (my 3rd return!), and settling on a MIK Spector 5 string, the legend classic I believe it's called. Yes, it cost me more $$, but worth it. Wow, I love this bass! The action is good for my wrist issues, and the sound is night-and-day compared to the Ibanez (not putting the IBZ down or anything - but just for my taste). The fit and finish on this bass is excellent, and apparently there is a very high level of quality control that goes in to making the MIK Spectors. EMG passive pups, with active tone (bass & treble). I'm keeping this one.

BTW - if there is anyone out there looking for a Schecter Diamond Series J-bass (creme with/red pearl pick guard & RWN) feel free to PM me.

Peace...

Salvatore ~

PS - how's the wrist?

Salvatore, that sounds like a great bass you ended up with. You and I are very much alike in that if I am not totally satisfied with a guitar i will trade, sell, or return it until I find a bass I really like. I looked up the Spector on Musician's Friend and it looks like a great bass. I hope it is all you wanted and then some.

My wrists are doing Ok thanks. I have good days and bad days but I am still able to play. When they act up too much I play only the short scale Rumblekat.

I just got back from picking up a bass I have been seeking for nearly three years - a red Peavey Rudy Sarzo signature (1988 model). I owned one in the late 1980s and sold it about 5 years ago with a bunch of other music gear once I quit playing due to my wrist problems. I have always regretted that decision. After a little setup work, it is playing very nicely.

 

[srptopdog]

Salvatore, that sounds like a great bass you ended up with. You and I are very much alike in that if I am not totally satisfied with a guitar i will trade, sell, or return it until I find a bass I really like. I looked up the Spector on Musician's Friend and it looks like a great bass. I hope it is all you wanted and then some.

My wrists are doing Ok thanks. I have good days and bad days but I am still able to play. When they act up too much I play only the short scale Rumblekat.

I just got back from picking up a bass I have been seeking for nearly three years - a red Peavey Rudy Sarzo signature (1988 model). I owned one in the late 1980s and sold it about 5 years ago with a bunch of other music gear once I quit playing due to my wrist problems. I have always regretted that decision. After a little setup work, it is playing very nicely.

Yea, I mean if the sound isn't right what's the point? I just played a rehearsal on Tuesday with the Spector and it really pops. Big, fat, punchy, and articulate. I'm diggin' it.

Do they still make the RS bass, or did you pick up up used?

salvatore

 

[srptopdog]

Hello All ~

I had my last session of physical therapy yesterday, and although I am not yet 100%, my wrist tendons are healing, albiet slowly.

I played a light rehearsal on Tuesday night, and I was able to play about an hour and a half before my wrist was hurting too much to go on, but this is big progress. I have a full rehearsal next Tuesday, then a worship service on Sunday evening. So I am back in the game!

I have been spending a lot of time on the bassplayer.tv web site to gather some playing ideas. I'm really working on fretting with as little pressure as possible and plucking lighter. It is really amazing how little pressure is needed to fret a string, and if you match up the feel of your plucking fingers you do not get fret buzz. This technique is helping me play without bothering my wrist too much. Also, if you set you amp right (generally turning up the volume), I find I get way more tone and fullness opposed to digging in too much which to my ears has the opposite effect.

I have had to modify my left hand position. I really can not place my thumb in the "C" position on the back of the neck as I once did. I find I needed to bring my thumb up more toward the "E" string, and have it in a position that is more parallel with the neck. This generally prevents me from being able to fret some lower 4 frets using fingers 1 through 4, and this causes me to have to shift position more than before. So I have had to change my style a bit, but in general I can still play most of the lines I hear in my head.

One of the ways musicians can live with tendonitis is to adapt their style of playing, as described above. For another example, I also play drums, and I can no longer play Traditional Grip (my favorite grip for jazz work), however I can play Matched Grip just fine, so I will simply continue to develop my technique using Matched Grip - no problem.

I have discovered I must be more aware of how I do other things in daily life, such as opening car doors, turning door knobs, lifting heavy objects. In some cases I do certain physical tasks with no problem, and with other tasks I need to modify my approach.

Hopefully my wrist will continue to improve, particularly with the help of these certain behavior modifications. So far there is no indication for me to think otherwise.

Hope this helps...

Salvatore ~

 

[sal4bass]

Yea, I mean if the sound isn't right what's the point? I just played a rehearsal on Tuesday with the Spector and it really pops. Big, fat, punchy, and articulate. I'm diggin' it.

Do they still make the RS bass, or did you pick up up used?

salvatore

Cool, the Spector sounds like a great axe!

I believe the Peavey Sarzo Signatures were only made from the late 80s through the early 90s, so this one is used, but not abused. I purchased it from a professional bassist and he took good care of it, though it is well played. It is exactly like the Sarzo I originally owned; with the exception this one has a Hipshot D-Tuner modification. The neck on this one is just like my first Sarzo, with low and fast action. The brass nut and neck-through design give it great punch, sustain, and overtones. It is a 34-inch scale bass and though similar in some ways to the Cirrus has a very different neck shape, pickups, and sound than the Cirrus. The Sarzo carries a thicker, meatier low end tone while the Cirrus has the midrange-focused modern sound to my ears.

Link to my Sarzo pics:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5732597&postcount=18

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5732608&postcount=19

 

[sal4bass]

Hello All ~

I had my last session of physical therapy yesterday, and although I am not yet 100%, my wrist tendons are healing, albiet slowly.

I played a light rehearsal on Tuesday night, and I was able to play about an hour and a half before my wrist was hurting too much to go on, but this is big progress. I have a full rehearsal next Tuesday, then a worship service on Sunday evening. So I am back in the game!

I have been spending a lot of time on the bassplayer.tv web site to gather some playing ideas. I'm really working on fretting with as little pressure as possible and plucking lighter. It is really amazing how little pressure is needed to fret a string, and if you match up the feel of your plucking fingers you do not get fret buzz. This technique is helping me play without bothering my wrist too much. Also, if you set you amp right (generally turning up the volume), I find I get way more tone and fullness opposed to digging in too much which to my ears has the opposite effect.

I have had to modify my left hand position. I really can not place my thumb in the "C" position on the back of the neck as I once did. I find I needed to bring my thumb up more toward the "E" string, and have it in a position that is more parallel with the neck. This generally prevents me from being able to fret some lower 4 frets using fingers 1 through 4, and this causes me to have to shift position more than before. So I have had to change my style a bit, but in general I can still play most of the lines I hear in my head.

One of the ways musicians can live with tendonitis is to adapt their style of playing, as described above. For another example, I also play drums, and I can no longer play Traditional Grip (my favorite grip for jazz work), however I can play Matched Grip just fine, so I will simply continue to develop my technique using Matched Grip - no problem.

I have discovered I must be more aware of how I do other things in daily life, such as opening car doors, turning door knobs, lifting heavy objects. In some cases I do certain physical tasks with no problem, and with other tasks I need to modify my approach.

Hopefully my wrist will continue to improve, particularly with the help of these certain behavior modifications. So far there is no indication for me to think otherwise.

Hope this helps...

Salvatore ~

That is great news Salvatore! I'm glad you are progressing nicely.

I had a minor setback while on a business trip this week. I had to carry a suitcase, laptop bag, and numerous supplies from a parking garage to my hotel. Without thinking about it I held a heavy laptop bad suspended in my left hand fingers as I closed my trunk. I instantly felt the familiar shooting pain through my wrist tendons. I quickly put the bag down but by the next morning had minor swelling and pain in that wrist. That is how quickly a re-injury can occur, at least in my case. After two days of anti inflammatory meds it is much better. I have two rehearsals and two services to play this weekend so I am wresting the wrist as much as possible.

This is the maddening thing about a chronic tendinitis condition. Just when you think things are nearing "normal" again a re-injury can happen very unexpectedly.

 

[srptopdog]

That is great news Salvatore! I'm glad you are progressing nicely.

I had a minor setback while on a business trip this week. I had to carry a suitcase, laptop bag, and numerous supplies from a parking garage to my hotel. Without thinking about it I held a heavy laptop bad suspended in my left hand fingers as I closed my trunk. I instantly felt the familiar shooting pain through my wrist tendons. I quickly put the bag down but by the next morning had minor swelling and pain in that wrist. That is how quickly a re-injury can occur, at least in my case. After two days of anti inflammatory meds it is much better. I have two rehearsals and two services to play this weekend so I am wresting the wrist as much as possible.

This is the maddening thing about a chronic tendinitis condition. Just when you think things are nearing "normal" again a re-injury can happen very unexpectedly.

Oh man, I hear you! I am gaving to un-learn habits that I have developed over 40 + years. I find I need to make multiple trips from the car to the house (for example) with groceries, my bass, amp, guitar stands, briefcase, etc. These are not easy habits to break becuase they have become second nature to us. Just like breathing, we don't even think about some of the things we do. As you said, just a simple move can set off our cronic issues. Eventually we will adapt, but slowly I guess!

Glad to hear you are on the mend again. Let us know how you make out playing the two services.

Salvatore ~

 

[mokkat]

These help me
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[wazzel]

My left wrist (fret) is starting to act up on me. It just started a few weeks ago and only happens if I have to curl my wrist to reach something. I find now I am really having to watch my hand position to keep my wrist in a good position. I have been plaing about 25 years and don't want to shut down now, I'm 37. I hope I can work around this with technique. I have not been to see a Dr. yet so not sure if it is CTS. I have been doing lots of stuff around the house so I could have tweaked in doing yard work etc.

 

[sal4bass]

My left wrist (fret) is starting to act up on me. It just started a few weeks ago and only happens if I have to curl my wrist to reach something. I find now I am really having to watch my hand position to keep my wrist in a good position. I have been plaing about 25 years and don't want to shut down now, I'm 37. I hope I can work around this with technique. I have not been to see a Dr. yet so not sure if it is CTS. I have been doing lots of stuff around the house so I could have tweaked in doing yard work etc.

Hi wazzel. It may be CTS, but could also be a tendon strain or the beginnings of tendinitis due to repetitive motion injury (RMI) from playing bass. If caught early it can be treated effectively. If a RMI has already occurred you can still learn ways to manage it. Getting to a doctor is a wise decision. Hopefully it is not serious but if it is the sooner you take action the better. Best of luck and let us know what you find out.

 

[wazzel]

I am looking for a Dr. now. If any one know a good one in the NW Hoston area lay it on me. Last time I pulled a dr from the "yellow pages" he was a freaking quack. I am laying low and only playing when I need to, to see if resting it will help a bit. I do have commitments to keep so it will not be full rest.

 

[A.Denis]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading very carefully all the previous posts and would like to thank everyone for all the advice.

I' ve ben struggling for a year now with different kinds of pain in my arms, wrists and hands.

I've been playing bass for a couple of years, before that drums, and this year I started playing guitar.

This year's guitar playing got me a tendinitis (at least that's what I thought at the time), and a year ago when I got more serious about bass and practiced a lot of scales I got numbness and tingling in my hands and fingers.

Plus every time I play I get this this weakness in my wrists, just like if they were broken or something.

Tired of all this I went to the doctor, he suggested a neurologists, who booked me for an EMG (in June), meanwhile I went to a physiotherapist, who diagnosed not one but 2 carpal tunnel syndrome. He said I do not have tendinitis.

At least I know what I have now, and will do everything I can to minimize the pain associated to it. lots of great info here thanks to everyone.

I'll share some in the future when I find what works specifically for me.

So far releasing pressure on the fretting hand has helped alot, I noticed a lot of pressure was applied with my thumb, as if to compensate for weakness in other fingers. I even tried NOT touching the back of the neck with my thumb to see what happens. I was surprise to notice that the bass had a tendency to pivot near my waist. So all in all my fretting hand would push the neck towards me, this had me using the thumb to counteract this, and my other hand and arm would try to stabilize everything on the other end ...a real recipe for cts ...