• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Wrist getting very sore.

CrashMiller

CrashMiller

Sep 8, 2011
113
1
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
#1
Recently I have been practicing bass quite a bit, about an hour and a half to two hours a day, plus I often pit stress on it at work.

I'm just wondering if its normal to get a sore wrist from practicing a lot, or if maybe its something a little more serious. I've played for 6 years on and off and haven ran into this before.
 
#2
When you grab, pull, or yank things at work, you may be pushing it too much. Use two hands, or anything else "smart" to keep your wrists in shape, but not overused all-the-time. Pickup fewer parts, less weight, or let your legs work in conjunction with your arms. Remember, if you're working in a different company in 15 years, and need surgury for Carpal T., your present employer won't know, or care-when that happens!

Practice good movements that won't KILL your wrists & fingers.
 
#3
As well as the good advice given above by Staccato, you could try out some Yoga stretches/exercises for the wrist (see link below). Also, during your practice session, take a couple of five minute breaks. All the better if you include some stretches during these breaks. Another thing, make sure that both wrists are as straight as possible when you play.



yoga wrist stretch - YouTube
 
#4
Really good advice so far.

I myself have been struggling with fairly severe problems since 1997. The stretching/yoga/ take a break advice has really helped, and I'm back to gigging.

Another thing worth looking at is the set-up on the bass, and the string tension along with good technique. I just moved to a much easier, lighter tension string that is making a pretty big difference.
 
#7
CrashMiller said:
Recently I have been practicing bass quite a bit, about an hour and a half to two hours a day, plus I often pit stress on it at work.

I'm just wondering if its normal to get a sore wrist from practicing a lot, or if maybe its something a little more serious. I've played for 6 years on and off and haven ran into this before.
Click to expand...

Hi

Is it the left wrist or right wrist?

If it's the left wrist, I wrote an article about good left hand technique. It's here

Link Removed

I figured this out myself and since then I haven't had any issues with left hand, and I can play all day. Right shoulder is still a problem! But left wrist is ok..!

Hope it helps
 
#8
check your strap height. the "cool" looking low hanging bass is murder on your left hand. the "jazzy" looking bass up around your chest is tough on the right hand. which wrist is bothering you more?

also check your technique - make sure you don't have an extreme bend in either wrist while you are playing.

take pauses during your practice time and shake out your hands, wrists, arms.
 
#11
I recommend using a wrist band on your right hand and keeping it firm enough to help straighten your wrist. Remember to let your fingers do the majority of the work.

Also, excessive masturbation might be an issue - I would recommend refraining from chokin' the ol' chicken for a few days.
 
#12
Update: Turns out I do indeed have Carpal Tunnel, though the nurse believes it was likely my use of power tools that caused it, as I was pressing my palm hard on my drill to get screws out for about 6 hours straight.

I'm currently waiting to have a doctor look at it. It sucks, because I haven't been able to play bass for about 4 days now.
 
#14
CrashMiller said:
Update: Turns out I do indeed have Carpal Tunnel, though the nurse believes it was likely my use of power tools that caused it, as I was pressing my palm hard on my drill to get screws out for about 6 hours straight.

I'm currently waiting to have a doctor look at it. It sucks, because I haven't been able to play bass for about 4 days now.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear that. Sometimes people assume that their CT is caused just by bass playing, without realising that lots of other things can contribute also.

Hopefully it wont be too long before you are playing again. :)
 
#15
CrashMiller said:
Update: Turns out I do indeed have Carpal Tunnel, though the nurse believes it was likely my use of power tools that caused it, as I was pressing my palm hard on my drill to get screws out for about 6 hours straight.

I'm currently waiting to have a doctor look at it. It sucks, because I haven't been able to play bass for about 4 days now.
Click to expand...

Can i enquire how this diagnosis was came by and what was involved to confirm it?
 
#16
Fergie Fulton said:
Can i enquire how this diagnosis was came by and what was involved to confirm it?
Click to expand...

The nurse did the test where you tap the median nerve, and my hand went numb for a split second. How she figures its more work related, I do not know. Doctor wasnt too terribly concerned, just prescribed me a brace and some anti-inflammatorys, and wrote me a note for a week off work.

Well, hope i'm back playing soon.
 
#17
CrashMiller said:
The nurse did the test where you tap the median nerve, and my hand went numb for a split second. How she figures its more work related, I do not know. Doctor wasnt too terribly concerned, just prescribed me a brace and some anti-inflammatorys, and wrote me a note for a week off work.

Well, hope i'm back playing soon.
Click to expand...

Well she does not know... it is a guess.
Your doctor may not be concerned because it is not his problem to live with.
Rest is the main thing and of course stop the over use with the practice.
Vibration will irritate it, but the pressure and angle you have your wrists will be a factor as well, so a good pair of trusted anti-vibration gloves are an investment in your health.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back