Wrist pain

JazzFunk · Newbie Alert Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 2

recently ive been getting bad *** wrist aches and pains on my left wrist at my gigs(it never happened in the past), does anyone else get these, and if so what do you do about em??

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

Are you using traditional grip, or matched? Either way, there are one of two possible things that I can think of: either 1. you are tensing up while you are playing. Tension will make playing harder, and often bring pains and cramps while playing. Often this happens when you're trying to play fast. It's either that, or 2. you may have carpal tunnel, or some sort of repettitive-stress damage, in which case, seeing a doctor might be advisable.

For now, I would recomend the following: first, warm up before you play, and I mean REALLY warm up. Start VERY slow with sticking exercises and whatnot, building up speed very gradually for anywhere between 15 minutes to a half hour before playing. Stretching a bit as well as isometric exercises can help as well. When playing, pay attention to whether or not you feel yourself tensing up. Examine the placement of your equipment, because if you are moving to accomodate for a drum that is poorly placed, you might be straining it. Finally, expariment with matched grip if you aren't already using it.

Hope this helps!

Agent Kennedy · Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2003 10:35 am Post subject: Wrist pain

streach alot. Saurencaerthai pretty much hit it on the head.

JazzFunk · Newbie Alert Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 2

Thanks alot for the advice

gdawson44 · Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2003 4:16 pm Post subject: Wrist pain

I'd have to agree with the stretching part. You may also want to check out the Gladstone technique.

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

Gladstone technique? Do elaborate, I am very curious.

gdawson44 · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2003 6:47 am Post subject: Wrist pain

http://www.tigerbill.com/features/da001017.htm
This site has some good info on Gladstone technique. I'm sure this is something many of us do already but don't know it by this name.

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

Facinating stuff, man! Ima gonna try some of this stuff out right now!

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

update: Man, this stuff works great! Everyone take a look at that!