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Kapila Kane
Ha`aha`a
USA
1051 Posts |
 Posted - 08/07/2012 : 09:12:07 AM
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I know this has come up before, amongst the "aches and pains" of playing category.
I'd experienced some Right arm problems before, but for the first time, I now have Left arm Tendonitis.
Frustrating!
I know others struggle with the physical problems that arise.
Whether a function of too much playing, wrong position playing, and for a bunch of us,
age! Everyone is subject to some of this, sooner or later, but physical problems arise more now, then when we were 20, 30, 40 or even 50!
If you think you're immune, watch out!
For me, violin playing and fiddle gigs contribute, but I really believe this was more from recent, steady practice on slack guitar.
OK, I'll admit, a little playing done in the hammock late at night, which looks very cool, but definitely contributes to a poor playing position, especially while balancing a glass of wine.
And I confess, I already see a PT, (sometimes more often than my wife these days), but the Left arm tendonitis is new, and I'm always looking for a few good stretches and exercises (therapy--arm and hand therapy only please).
My playing is for the other kind of therapy...almost as effective, and cheaper without any degradation, abuse or need to change something I don't wanna!
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Edited by - Kapila Kane on 08/07/2012 09:17:12 AM |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2012 : 11:09:45 AM
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Stetching seems so...well, it would remind me of an athlete preparing at the olympics. So anyway, if someone were preparing to play slack by doing excersizes I would be expecting way too much! LOL!
You most likely already know you can treat it with a pressure point wrap. The ones you find at a drugstore with the ace bandage wrap and small air pillow and they work well.
When a tendon flares up you can head it off with the pressure point wrap--which is sort of a prevention.
Or, you can flex like an olympian and create a very dramatic prelude to your playing. Can't you just visualize it...LOL!
Just having fun.
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Bob |
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Pua Kai
Ha`aha`a
USA
1007 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2012 : 5:03:38 PM
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Hey Ol' Man!
Maybe it's the high altitude. Or maybe it's teaching keiki. Or maybe you should be going to Napili to commiserate with the rest of us old folks.
Aloha!! |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2012 : 03:29:43 AM
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| Been there, done that. It's part of life on the planet. Pain means you're still alive. The wraps are of value, stretching, also. Keep up the glucosamine (I doubled my intake a while back, per Slip's suggestion, and it seemed to help). The maturation process has its downside, but at least it's entertaining. The ability to complain shows that one has standards. |
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TerryLiberty
Lokahi
USA
207 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2012 : 05:16:51 AM
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Like Bette Davis said "Old age ain't for sissies."
Maybe sometime soon I'll be called kupuna kane.
Aloha. |
Terry
Olympia, WA
Forever a haumana |
Edited by - TerryLiberty on 08/09/2012 05:17:36 AM |
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Kapila Kane
Ha`aha`a
USA
1051 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2012 : 06:09:05 AM
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and as new things appear, we can abandon some of our old complaints!
so refreshing. Can't believe I've missed 3 camps in a row...
next year is still under discussion...
And much of instrumental music is facing budget cuts, well I'm back to subbing this year unless there's an August miracle! So can't blame anything on keiki.
Meanwhile life is still very good.
And a trip to Big Island in December is set, just a little late for Keoki's gathering, I'll look up whose around playing...maybe a lesson, or watch or even sit in on fiddle!...now where's my big suitcase?
Maybe I'll store one of my extra fiddles over there! |
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haolebrownie
Aloha
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2012 : 12:27:31 PM
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Stretching/warming up is always a good idea, regardless of whether you are playing an instrument or playing sports... or trying to not have daily aches and pain. Tight muscles are prone to injury and fatigue.
What kind of arm/hand stretches are you already doing? I had an ex-girlfriend that has a doctorate in physical therapy and a bunch of other alphabet soup behind her name. She gave me some arm/hand stretches to do when I was training in Eagle Claw Kung Fu (which focuses to some degree on finger strength). I find they work well for guitar. |
Kī Hōʻalu and ʻUkulele Soul |
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sirduke58
`Olu`olu
USA
993 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 11:40:26 PM
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quote:
originally posted by haolebrownie
I had an ex-girlfriend that has a doctorate in physical therapy and a bunch of other alphabet soup behind her name. She gave me some arm/hand stretches to do when I was training in Eagle Claw Kung Fu (which focuses to some degree on finger strength). I find they work well for guitar.
Eh Joe you gotta share it with me next time you come over for ki ho'alu sharing. I'm an old fart with chronic aches & pains |
Hoof Hearted?...Was it you Stu Pedaso? |
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haolebrownie
Aloha
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2012 : 2:05:48 PM
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For sure Duke. It'll be nice sharing something the other way this time.  |
Kī Hōʻalu and ʻUkulele Soul |
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Kapila Kane
Ha`aha`a
USA
1051 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2012 : 06:21:37 AM
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Might be a good morning session at a camp, with one or more of the professional pickers that depend on playing day after day, to make a living...
not just scales or playing warmups, but PHYSICAL stretches and exercises.
One professional (ok her instrument is piano--but she plays over 300 gigs a year) ALWAYS does LARGE MUSCLE warmups first, before any scales, arpeggios or pieces...(small muscle). While her exercises are specific to piano, there are surely comparable things for guitarists, ukesters, and all.
While younger players may just go, eventually everyone is subject to problems with repetitive motions...even when technique is correct...and more so for less-than-perfect right and left hand holds that increase tension.
I know this is mostly for R and R, (fun), but when things flare up and can't play, well that's NOT FUN, and playing music and good habits keep me happier and healthier, physically, mentally, and spirtitually... and that's some of why we do this stuff.
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Edited by - Kapila Kane on 08/14/2012 06:22:58 AM |
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Larry Goldstein
Lokahi
267 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2012 : 07:48:54 AM
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Unfortunately, I can relate only too well.
I am just now almost pain free from February camp, and have hardly played a lick since then. It’s good to know the pressure wrap works for some, but I found no relief. What has worked is a daily dose of 400 mg. ibububu, and stretching.
My doc recommended fully extending my left arm and slowly bending my hand, using the right hand, up and holding, then down.
No doubt the healing process has been protracted given I’m left handed, spend way too much time on the keyboard, and ride a scooter frequently.
Larry
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Edited by - Larry Goldstein on 08/28/2012 07:40:01 AM |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2012 : 3:58:11 PM
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| Larry, a physical therapist told me that the hand held massagers work well. I've used mine to good effect, but go only from shoulder to wrist, not the other way around. |
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bsheephead
Aloha
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2012 : 3:48:19 PM
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| My doctor recommended excercises for my slack key playing tendonitis that are on the Kaiser website under "golf elbow". It worked! At one point I had to stop playing for six weeks. . . |
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Kapila Kane
Ha`aha`a
USA
1051 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2012 : 4:05:44 PM
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One more thing...
Tendonitis is not always the result of guitar playing, or other instrumental practice.
My physical therapist sees a direct correlation with my new lawnmower and the most acute inflammation/tendonitis now happening in both arms.
Seems we have a direct correlation between using our new John D "self-propelled" lawnmower every week, which requires constant rotation of the "Engage" function to engage the power drive. A single mowing requires thousands of rotations, as both hands roll forward and back, every time you stop, go, turn, back up, avoid obstacles etc.
Unfortunately, the occasional guitar playing is painful, and aggravates the inflammation once it becomes a problem.
I have to say, guitar playing is more important to my sanity than my lawn, although my neighbors might disagree.
Luckily lawn mowing season is coming to an end here...I say, Let it Snow, or at least cool down like it USED TO on Planet Earth (at least here in Colorado)! Only about one more mow to go this year, and mostly just to mulch the leaves!
Next year, I'll consider another mower, and meanwhile, talk to manufacturer....
so maybe a Dear John Deere letter in their future! Too bad, my dad was an Iowa farm boy, and we always have thought highly of JD.
Even if I didn't want to play guitar, tendonitis is not a problem most people want from a normal activity.
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Tendonitis anyone?
