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Question Wrist issues.

ausf

ausf

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
48
Location
New York
I strained both wrists (un-bass related) which has made me more aware or my position when playing. It's pretty uncomfortable and I can see how it would really suck to develop a chronic problem.

I've had to adjust a bit when I switched to the 'Ray, bringing my right hand a little further back towards the bridge to clear the pup, so I decided to try a clean slate and get my right wrist as straight as possible as I often see recommended (This is with fingerstyle, thumping is automatically straight).

Problem is, I can't get any speed over strings holding my elbow out. I normally use my wrist to roll my fingers over the strings, so it's bent in relation to what string I'm striking. My wife is an Occupational Therapist and her opinion is that the danger is at extreme bends or repetitive flexing which isn't the case here (how the heck do drummers play for years then? It's all repetitive wrist flex).

I raised my bass a bit to give my left hand more room, but that doesn't alter the right hand bend.

Anyone have or have had problems with this? I'm wondering if I should spend the time retraining my right arm or just shut up and play. :rolleyes:
 
Thank you sir, just ordered one.

Seems like an interesting product.
 
floating thumb technique?

If you do a search on TB for floating thumb in technique section, which you may already know about, you get a method that encourages a straight wrist.
I think a segment of Todd Johnson's video containing the technique can be found on youtube. If you are not addicted to anchoring your thumb, which it sounds from your post you are not, it's a net gain because you also end up with the muting benefits too. Hope you heal quickly.
 
ausf said:
Thank you sir, just ordered one.

Seems like an interesting product.
Click to expand...

Yeah I guarantee they work really good, I have lost half a thumb in a silly bike accident and they helped me to regain muscle tone after 6 months of complete inactivity.

here are my ..."other 2 balls" :D

I work them in sync one for each arm

balls.jpg
 
mntngrown said:
If you do a search on TB for floating thumb in technique section, which you may already know about, you get a method that encourages a straight wrist.
I think a segment of Todd Johnson's video containing the technique can be found on youtube. If you are not addicted to anchoring your thumb, which it sounds from your post you are not, it's a net gain because you also end up with the muting benefits too. Hope you heal quickly.
Click to expand...


Thanks, I need to give that a shot. I anchor on the E or A and always considered that the 'floating thumb'. I'll certainly work on it, I'll need to convince myself I can keep it there when things getting cooking.

Between CaptMoto's balls (doesn't sound right :eek: ) and floating the thumb, I should be in good shape.
 
Not to be negative or something but the powerball isn't always a solution.
I know 2 musicians who had wrist problems and worstened after prolonged use of the powerball.
Use with caution!
Wrist problems should not be taken lightly.
 
So do these actually help with speed as is stated on the website?

I'm curious and it seems like a interesting way to spend some time and build some playing strength even if it doesn't.

So would you recommend them for people without injuries CaptMoto?
 
I actually do, I've had them balls (no pun) way before my accident, as I used them to strenghten my wrists and forearm for my motocross riding, so yeah, it was only by chance that one day, 2 months after I chopped my thumb, that my physio consultant recommended I'd try the powerball to rebuild muscle tone after my hand had not moved for 6 months and my forearm muscle shrunk almost to the bone.

The saddest part was not being able to play bass or guitar for that period.
 
If you aren't worried about a particular brand of Powerball, check out the rock climbing section of your local Eastern Mountain Sports. I bought one there 2-3 years ago for $20. It doesn't come with the fancy electronics though.

(edit)
The name is Dynaflex and is considered a hand exerciser at EMS.com.
 
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At the risk of sounding really old....

Before Powerballs, there were tennis balls - just squeezing them for 10 min at a time a few times a day is great rehab for strength rebuilding (been there, done that). The only caution is that if you have carpal tunnel, you could well make it worse with over use. Always a good idea to proceed with caution.
 
I'll suggest you to play in classical guitar position when you play sit down. This way you will have both hands straight in a more natural way. I do that and I don't have any problem and my picking finger are stronger in long reharsal
 
yeah, try the classical guitar position, when i was starting out, i found that more natural feeling and more comfortable, though slightly harder to reach the end of the neck.

Also the floating thumb technique could be a good idea, though i've never bothered with it myself.

You could try playing standing up? I've always found that playing standing up with the strap at a reasonable length (bass at waist height ish) made it more comfortable on my right wrist as it's straighter that way. Then again, my SUB bass has a slab body, and i'm sure that doesn't help either.
 
As I have gotten older, wrist problems start being a way of life. I have adjusted my strap so I can keep my wrists straighter with my arms and that has seemed to help. It also helps to stand up when I practice. Setting down makes me bend my right wrist too much which I try to avoid. If I am sitting, I will let the bass hang all the way down so my wrist can be straighter.
 
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