Tendonitis help

[itsdono]

Wondering if anyone out there has some suggestions for dealing with tendonitis of the left wrist. I'm guilty of playing music too advanced for my training. So far I've been icing it, taking anti-inflammatories like Motrin, stretching and spending time trying to strengthen the wrist. Not playing is no fun. Thanks.

[{Amaranthyne Bane}]

Sorry. I don't know what you should do. All I have to say is good luck an I hope you can play your guitar soon. :(

[daniel711]

Actually, what you describe is pretty common. And you're correct, playing music that's too advanced can cause it. Beware excesive left hand stretches, and/or holding difficult bars. Anti-inflamatories and rest are the way to go. I wouldn't excercise the wrist in the hopes of strengthening it. This is a fallacy that alot of guitarists fall into, and it does more harm than good. When you begin to play again, make sure you do sufficient warming up before playing hard. Don't play for more than 45 minutes without a break, or less if you have pain. Wrap your wrist in a cold pack after playing. I do this after every strenuous session, just like baseball pitchers do!! Good luck...

[dkj]

itsdono;

You’ve answered your own question. Stop playing pieces beyond your current ability! My advice is put the guitar down, ice your wrist, and think about things for a week.

Difficult pieces are physically demanding. You wouldn’t walk up a hill for a month and expect to climb Annapurna!

Others may disagree but I think a good rule is…

If you can’t sight read a piece through 4 or 5 times and play it reasonably well, you’re over-reaching.

Nothing is accomplished. In fact, expect negative results.


dkj

[M. Stephenson]

Two comments based on personal experience:

Focus very hard on keeping your left hand relaxed. For me it is very difficult and I have to be vigilent about staying relaxed. Sometimes I have to play a chord, relax, move to the next chord, relax, etc. Also, I find that my left hand gets tense even when concentrating on right hand technique. I find it is a constant fight to stay relaxed.

Do some weight training. I found that strengthening my whole body I was able to shake my guitar induced tennis-elbow condition. My gear is in storage as we are between houses and I hve noticed that I am prone elbow problems again.

I have tackled many pieces beyond my ability and eleminating excess tension in my left hand is by far my biggest challenge.

[MauiFlamenco]

Tendonitis is easily fixed, by removing adhesions (scar tissue) from the muscle and tendon tissue. This will regain your biomechanics, remove any vascular blood vessel entrappments, and allow freedom of movement. You need to visit a doctor or Provider for Active Release Techniques (ART). you can find one in your local area by checking out Activerelease.com, then find a provider by zip code and find docs that are certified in upper extremity. The problem will not be solved by working out, or strengthening your arm. the adhesions must be removed first. if you live a distance away, completely trust it....its worth the drive, its fast and highly effective to resolve these kinds of problems.

[itsdono]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I am back in nearly perfect shape after the following treatment over 4-5 weeks time:

1. Stop playing using left hand - I worked on my right hand technique and play better now than I ever did before.
2. Direct icing of the sore area.
3. Complete immobilization for about one month, using a blue plastic thingamajig from the orthopedist that immobilized my left thumb.
4. 2 x Daily Motrin.

[fernsemer]

itsdono ..... Hello!

In reading over the various solutions provided for you, which are mostly
excellent....There is yet another, which nobody seems to be aware of.

Buy a Guitar with an increase in string count, and if possible is fan fretted.

Most of the difficult fingering issues one has to deal with on a 6 string
Guitar are nothing more than string count and fret spread issues. By
increasing the string count in a smart way....you increase the number of
open string notes sprinkled throughout the music. Much easier to play.

Fan fretting provides a variation in spread from Bass to treble that can
relieve those stretches that are so troublesome.

Granted, this is a non traditional route, But considering the troubles you
would be eliminating, it could be worth it. But you would have ' think outside
the box ' ...... The traditional 6 string box.

Problem:....Finding a luthier to build such an instrument. Thats a toughie!