Looking for advice.....

[SharonG]

...and sympathy - I admit it I'm a wuss. After agressive gardening a couple of weeks ago followed by multiple gigs, the usual housework, etc., etc. I have now rather suddenly developed carpal tunnel syndrome. (left hand) Playing very simple lines is OK, after mucho motrin, but 4 fret spans are pretty painful. Contrary to medical custom, I actually did get seen by a colleague ( ), so that part's taken care of. I've been given reluctant permission to play gigs, but I can't practice or noodle for a while.

Fishing for sympathy aside - normally I don't have wrist pain even when I play alot. Any one have any left hand technique suggestions? I've already tried hiking up the strap to straighten out my wrist. I look pretty funny, but it helps, somewhat. I'm open to suggestions........thanks.

[Aragorn35016]

Im so sorry to here about your problem!! The Jan. 2003 of Bassplayer had a huge article about Carpul/Tendinitus One of the many things it suggested was several stretching techniques and warm up by slowly playing scales. Im sorry I can't help anymore than that but this is what I do and I dont have any problems..I don't know if it would help, but If you'd like this BP for reference, Id be happy to send it to you.

John

[Fuzzy Dustmite]

I have to have mine up to Jack level to keep my hand in a pretty decent position as well.

If you haven't considered it before, you might try seeing a chiropractor if at all possible. They have a couple of adjustments they can do to your wrists and elbows that have helped me in the past.

[dlloyd]

...and sympathy - I admit it I'm a wuss. After agressive gardening a couple of weeks ago followed by multiple gigs, the usual housework, etc., etc. I have now rather suddenly developed carpal tunnel syndrome. (left hand) Playing very simple lines is OK, after mucho motrin, but 4 fret spans are pretty painful. Contrary to medical custom, I actually did get seen by a colleague ( ), so that part's taken care of. I've been given reluctant permission to play gigs, but I can't practice or noodle for a while.

Fishing for sympathy aside - normally I don't have wrist pain even when I play alot. Any one have any left hand technique suggestions? I've already tried hiking up the strap to straighten out my wrist. I look pretty funny, but it helps, somewhat. I'm open to suggestions........thanks.

Rest.

[SharonG]

Rest.

I know - thanks. I will aside from my existing commitments.

Thanks for the kind thoughts and suggestions, guys!

[mrpackerguy]

I would suggest compromising your left hand technique in favor of a more closed hand style temporarily. That will mean more left arm movement. Of course, any use will aggravate the carpal area and the best advice is hand rest and continued ibuprofen to keep any swelling to a minimum.

[maddog]

Rest and stretching. Might research warm up techniques that cellist use. I've heard they do wonders.

[SteveB]

Sharon,

Sorry to hear your news! Rest for now, and make sure you stretch.. carefully.. for a while before you even pick up the instrument. When playing, stop and shake out your arm and rub the muscles anytime you can between songs or whatever.

Meanwhile, keep the ibuprofen going!

You've already taken two Bongos, so all that's left is to call me in the morning!

[Ole Man Blues]

Sorry to hear that.

We will keep you in prayer...........

OMB

[phatduckk]

my right hand cramps like mad and gets super painful after playing for about 10 minutes (gigs hurt me).

What there's a few things that help ...

1) sometimes it gets soooo bad that holding a cup hurts really bad... bad enough to literally make me drop to my knees. This is rare... but when this happens i lay off the hand completely, not just bass. after a few days its back to normal suckiness.

2) i got john petrucci's rock discipline dvd specifically for the first section which is all about stretching exercises. i watched that a bunch of times and made a metal not of john's stretching exercises and go thru them when i have time.

3) i massage & stretch my hand constantly on reherssal and gig days. while driving, at work etc

good luck

[NorM]

Tie your left hand behind your back and invent/discover ways to play with just your right. Tapping is just super cool.

[Jean-Frédéric]

yaouch ... sucks bunch ,I have some tendinitus prob myself , so I understand your prob , i think stretching is a good thing , but a doctor could always help ,.. hopefully

[Lazybite]

ah the human body sucks again... sorry to hear about your carpel tunnel

[Randracula]

Both of my wrists hurt all of the time.I usually run super hot water over both of them first thing in the morning to loosen them up a little. Mine hurt mostly beacuse of work but sometimes it does get to the point where it affects my bass playing. I guess i'm stupid but usually I just play through the pain and suffer the consequences later.......

[koogie2k]

I agree with the rest. Also, Phatduckk hit a good point...the John Petrucci Rock Discipline is fantastic for both guitar and bass as far as stretches and exercises that help. You may want to check it out.

Sorry to hear about your problem. Hope you get better soon.