Pain, Stiffness, & Playing Guitar
Вставка
- Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
- Try Guitareo risk-free for 7 days: guitareo.com/trial
As we get older, our bodies change. In most cases, that change brings pain, discomfort, stiffness, and sometimes arthritis. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do as a guitarist to combat this natural slowing down of your body:
Warm up and stretch
The first thing you should do is always warm up and stretch. This also involves drinking lots of water and making sure you avoid playing in places where your hands will be cold. Check out some of the stretches and warm-ups in the video.
Make sure your guitar is set up properly
Set the action nice and low and consider going down in string gauge to make it easier to press down on the strings. Experiment with different pick sizes to see what works best for you; this way, you can stay relaxed when you’re strumming and picking the guitar.
Use proper technique
Another important part of staying pain-free is using proper technique. Make sure you have a good chair and that you sit up straight. Try elevating the guitar to put it in a better position for your wrist. A strap might make things significantly easier for you.
Practice good practice habits
Lastly, you need to have good practice habits. Practice consistently for shorter periods of time and take breaks whenever you start feeling discomfort.
Feeling our bodies slow down isn’t easy. But if you do all of these things, you’ll be setting yourself up to play guitar for the rest of your life.
Check out the full lesson page here:
►www.guitarlessons.com/guitar-...
Follow us!
►Facebook: / guitareoofficial
►Instagram: / guitareoofficial
I think only those of us who face the horrifying prospect of no longer being able to play our chosen instrument due to health problems, can truly understand and appreciate the value of this, and other related videos.
I'm one such person and would like to thank you 😊👍👏🎸🎸
This is all good advice for sure. I’d like to add this…. I’m 75 years old and just starting out learning. Some years back I eliminated all sugar from my diet. All sugar in all forms. My arthritis is 100% gone. Yep you read correctly ….. 100% gone. If you are an older person and are serious about learning and playing this is paramount.
I'm 16 and have arthritis in my hands, to the point i could barely play and about to give up, that video helped alot!
You are 16? Wow, keep your body in motion and never stop. In my early 30's now I realize I can't get away with laying around too much because it's a use it or lose it situation.
Hey I know this is an old comment but by any chance do you live in a country with low sunlight or stay inside a lot
@@punkrockmartian No, But it was comfirmed that from periods my hands swell up and i loose some of my fine motors skill, It's from an heart condition i got because of two cardiac arrests i had in my 14s and 15s and it causes also a severe chronic pain to the entirety of my body which affects even more my playing, I can't trem pick, lost all my endurance. I can 'shred' but only pretty simple stuff, To help with my playing i use Ernie Balls Super slinky 9 to 42 i think? And play on an Ibanez S521-mol it's way more comfortable and lighter and also tune half a step down or in C to have looser strings. What i found out that helps too is to use a Dunlop Max grip in 88 and sometimes alternate with a Jazz 3
@@Aleksandre-K I have pretty much the same problems as you do, though it's not the heart that started it, it's just genetics... thanks for these specific recommendations
@@melissaharkins22 most young people rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune condition. Kinda like lupus however others may have osteoarthritis, often caused by trauma such as a broken bone or strain and stress on the joints
I'm an amputee and walk on crutches so my hands are stiff and locked into a curled C shape from gripping the crutches. This makes them slow to move for scales and note shifting. I play more for rhythm more then a shredder. Barre chords can be hard also. But anyway I do my best. I'm 54 and only been playing 2 yrs about.
Thanks for sharing a little bit about yourself. Good on you for tackling guitar with these challenges.
Hey man I have similar problems but this program gives me hope also remember you can learn slide guitar which I may do
@@russscott552 Check out (Little Arm Guitar ) UA-cam Channel. Kids Awesome
Hope you're still playing two years later. My own stepfather saw Mississippi John Hurt when he was 60 and started playing. He played into his 90s. Best of luck.
@@mikem668 Yeah Man I Am.. Peace..
Great video Nate. I’ll be 80 in August and just started taking lessons. I have a couple of fingers in each hand that have arthritis and these tips are great.
I'm 71 bob and just started lessons. Struggling to say the least. Frustrated! But if you can do it, so can I. Thanks for the inspiration!
I'm 72 and I have arthritis in my hands. I don't drink alcohol or coffee. I use 10 gauge strings on an acoustic guitar and 9 gauge on an electric guitar.
Is there anything else you do that helps?
Help us and do mril
GuitarLessons I didn’t say that it helps. The only thing that really helps is I just don’t play. I was watching this video to try and find out what I can do to help with the pain. I knew nothing about the exercises or the massages that you spoke about here.
hey Glenn, I'm in my 60's and had rheumatoid all my life, I've been playing guitar for 52 years and play a variety of styles that require dexterity for fast playing; what helps me is soaking hands in hot water, tuning to E flat and using extra light strings.
For past year I've suffered with a painful condition that is called trigger finger in all fingers.
This is such a kind, considerate video - thank you so much. I'm 62 and still playing but yes arthritis in both hands is uncomfortable. I'm looking at getting a new guitar with lower action. Some alternate fingerings are a godsend as barred chords are very tough for me. Thank you again - my guitar is my greatest joy and I want to keep playing. Thanks again for your kindness. ❤️
Great thanks for supporting us old crinkled people that still want to try to get better on the guitar as we say in the UK I’d know I was going to live this long I’d have looked after my self better
Thanks for the pep talk and pointers, at 78 I'm going ahead and learn these things.. Motivation is important also.
Fantastic helpful tips. I stupidly thought I had the luxury of marathon practicing. I skipped warm-ups and stretches and have paid the price with a left thumb issue. Really appreciate and will use all the warm-up and stretching tips.
3 weeks from 40 and playing for 24 years. It never occurred to me that someday I’d have to look for a video like this but I’ve been really pushing on my acoustics through the pandemic . I’m grateful it’s here.Thanks for the insight.
Playing everyday to keep yourself loose is the biggest note of advice. Not sure if it’s arthritis in my hand but working an assembly line has destroyed my hands. If I leave the guitar for a few days, it’s a nightmare to come back to. If I do it everyday, it isn’t as bad as the day before. Great video !keep it up
Good advice . We’re doing our best and having fun !
I've broken my left hand 2 times. The 2nd time I required surgery and it was really bad. I really wanted to play the guitar but it was impossible. Just a few months ago I decided to push through the pain, and it was soo worth it! I still get some pain, but playing has helped my hand get some mobility back.
All thanks to your videos!
Yikes! Sounds like playing might be good physio for your hand.
im looking on here because my left index finger is giving me grief. i used to use the massage type warm up exercises but stopped and ive been playing a lot and so it's my own fault.so a big thing is to actually do the exercises every day !
ive had a lot of pain in my forearms in the past and the best thing is a plastic bottle{recycled of course!} 3/4 filled with water and frozen.Any combination of rolling along and under your forearm gives great relief and it seems best to do it every day.
thank you for giving a bit of hope.ive struggled for about 20 years and at last i seem to be making great progress but this pain is really hampering me.
Just the thing I was looking for. Awesome video and informative.
This is great! Loving how people are sharing their experiences and their love for guitar playing!
Thanks!
Just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my thumb. Am pretty sad about it. Gonna try the elevation and am currently leaning open d tuning with my tutor. Has anyone else got thumb arthritis is a massive shock but this video is so comforting. I can’t play Blackbird now was doing so well with it too. xx
My thumbs started bothering me when texting started. I used to use overused a blackberry and one day my thumbs stopped working they would flip around out of control and ache. That was about 8? Yrs ago maybe. It’s called Dequervein’s Tendonitis. The Gand clinic I went to was useless and a waste of money. So I switched to iPhones and after a year of stretches I found on utube they were better but just ok. So then I got frozen shoulders from a tight neck. I’m not old either. Started in my 30’s. So I also had been complaining that my guitars were stiff when bending strings. Electric only. No acoustics anymore thx to my neck and upper muscles. Long story. So I started playing again but set up my guitars differently and still have achey thumbs but I switched guitars. Plus, repair guys were useless too. No mention of lowering the bridge, tuning down and they wouldn’t sell things strings. So I Bought 7 and 8’s that’s right like Billy Gibbons and EVH and trust me a lot of guys secretly play them. I don’t know how to set up my guitars but I did it and they’re much better. I can feel the tendons in my thumbs when they ache. They feel crunchy. I’m not giving up playing it’s everything to me. So I’m doing ok but I try not to overdo anything. I shouldn’t even be on here tbh. Good luck. PS do not go for surgery if possible. They’ll mess you up worse.
These were/are really good tips. Thank you.
Nice one Nate i have mild arthritis and also have vibration white finger that can be very painful at times but this gives me encouragement i used to play in my teens and now at 50 have taken it up again as my 16 year old son has taken up guitar now and this great opportunity i feel should not be missed thanks again peace out :)
thanks for this. I am a beginner at 57 with arthritis and chronic back pain
Wow. Thanks Nate. Kudos to your grandfather and to you for pushing through the pain and continuing to pursue your passion for playing guitar. God bless!
Great video Nate thx 4 bringing up this very important subject and especially 4 the helpfull info!!! way to go buddy!! respect from the Netherlands Europe
Thanks Nate. As a guitar teacher, I've learnt so much from watching this video. Will definitely keep these tips in mind for my students that are encountering difficulties with their playing.
Thanks Nate you understand how much anyone struggles when they starts.
Thank you for this, Nate. I just turned 67 and have been playing since I was in junior high. In the last few years, arthritis has been making itself felt in my fingers - knots on the knuckles, the ring finger on my fretting hand has actually bent inwards, and the middle finger of my fretting hand has gotten some stiffness in it that makes regular chording - things I used to do without even thinking about it - much more challenging. Your advice on stretching is something I really need to take to heart - haven't ever been good about it, but now it may be my saving grace. Also doing the experimentation you mentioned with regard to finding alternate fingerings for chords - back to having to think about what I'm doing, like when I was first learning!! But quitting just isn't an option.....
Thank you for the encouragement, this was the most helpful video.
Thanks so much. Really inspiring, appreciated the sharing of your own challenges and story.
Very, Very informative and helpful video/advise, Thank you Sir.
Thank you for posting this video. I found it very helpful.
Cheers for the information, I'm 54 and started playing guitar 3years ago , my fingers don't flex like they used to but I manage ok , cheers 😎
Thanks, you’ve encouraged me so much! I have RA, which has permanently damaged my left index finger. I’ve wondered if I was wasting my time trying to learn to play the guitar at this point. You’ve encouraged me to keep going!
Brilliant info and advice. Defiantly worth a listen if you have finger pain or problems as I do. Have had previous problems with numbness in fingers and hands which comes from my neck...all connected so consider massage and stretching for all these areas too. Grateful for this video. Thank you.
Thank you!! Earned my subscription
I first picked up guitar five years ago at age 65. It’s been a real uphill climb, and along the way I’ve confronted just about every fix you mention to keep myself from quitting. Great sage advice, Nate. This should be more common knowledge than it is.
Thanks Ron.
I just discovered this channel.This is very good advice for people that have hand problems that play the guitar.
I began guitar lessons at age 65. Needless to say, my hands and fingers don't respond as well as I would like them to. Thanks for these wonderful suggestions to make practice and playing more enjoyable!
You can play 3 finger chords if you must, play stuff that you can play. Pick some easy tunes like Jimmy Buffett songs.
Great video, Nate. I never thought I'd watch anything like this though. I've been playing guitar for almost 50 years, and taught for many years. Over the last two years or so I've realised that open chord changes are becoming really challenging for me, especially going from a full open C to F for example. But also using barre chords such as Am to Dm at the 5th fret. i'm much slower than I used to be, and a lot less accurate. I've dropped to 9 gauge on my Fender electrics and 10-11 on my acoustics (though I find electric guitar much easier right now). I have to admit that it p---ses me off! Probably the best thing I learned from this video is that Im not alone, and that it is ok to keep on believing that I'll still be playing 10 or 15 years from now. The only advice I can offer to others is to not do as I've done for the last few years, which is to play only when it's easy on the work/life schedule, so perhaps once a week in a good week! Play every day, a little. I'm forcing this on myself even though I've never needed to before. Keep on playing!!!
Thank you for the very helpful and constructive video. My pain center is the right wrist/thumb joint when finger picking, especially when I am prepping for gigs. I will follow up on a lot of these ideas, and share with the hand specialist I will see soon.
Thanks brother ... at 74 playing for 40 yrs on and off ... going to 9s ... tyvm ..
Well done very helpful
Thanks for posting this video, Nate. I've been playing the guitar on and off for 30 years. I'm 52 now and started playing again on a regular basis in January. The problem is I played for approximately 4 hours a day and injured myself. I have pain on my wrist, my thumb, my forearm.... I also suspect I have arthritis on my left index finger, as it hurts a bit when I curl it (not when I play the guitar, thankfully)
Anyway, I have an appointment with the doctor, so I hope I can find a cure really soon. I have played a few times after being injured and even though I feel there's something wrong, I can play for less than an hour without feeling more pain. Your video has helped me a lot, as I learnt to stretch out a bit before playing and the most important thing: never give up. THANK YOU.
Thanks very much.
very helpful video,thank you Sir.
Thank you for this!
Very Nice Lesson Sir 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤❤❤❤
Thank you for making this video. Very interesting. I have arthritis and a lot of this was useful. You pretty much covered it all. The big thing is not to give up playing. I found playing actually made my hands more flexible and they definitely stiffen up if I can't play for a while.
Thanks for sharing that Suzi. I hope it will encourage others who are dealing with this issue.
I'm getting it in my fingers and I found the same: playing (rather scales/power chords than barre chords) helps keep my joints running.
i love that Strat maple neck and fb behind you >>>Good Luck!
Your video helped me a lot! Thank you. This video reminds me of the song Love at the Five and Dime. “Eddie traveled with the barroom band, till arthritis took his hands. Now he sells insurance on the side. “
great video!
Great video. I am playing an acoustic with 11/52 that I just bought, I guess I need to go lighter. I'm 70 yr. old and into my 2nd. year...need all the help I can get. Many thanks.
Thanks!
Great video! I have arthritis and I have gone to the lightest gauge strings on my steel string acoustic but I also got into nylon string classicals. I play mostly fingerstyle now and the nylon strings are so much easier on my hands.
Thank you.
thanks for your warming , anti arthritis tips.
Thanks
Thank you!!!
Thank you
Thank you for doing this video, I have a lot of pain and discomfort in my wedding ring finger for the past couple of years which has gotten worse, I have seen a nurse who could not help and a bone specialist who did not really have answers. I am going to see a doctor soon but I have a feeling I will need to live with this. I still play but have to have loads of breaks and I cannot play hard or fast, my dexterity is just not there now.
Thank you for this. I fracture my hand when I was in my youth goofing off and now as a man in his mid 40's I now have some arthritis in that hand. While trying to learn thru this COVID crisis I am feeling the pain quite a bit. So far doing stretches has been a help. I am considering paraffin baths for the hand. We shall see
I don't doubt what you know about arthritis, I am only 32 and I've been having increasing amounts of joint pain over the last year. Especially the joint connecting my thumb to my hand and a little inner wrist. I am putting a lot of blame on my phone after a lot of research. Our phones are so big and heavy these days and the whole one hand scroll thing is terrible for you. I did fall on my hand skiing which made me more subject to injury but I'm trying to avoid holding my phone for than I have to. Thanks for the video, I was worried about it getting worse to the point of not being able to play but this put me at ease a bit!
Great video....my left hand middle finger is distorted and wobbly and my index fingers are short compare to rest of hand so I gave up guitar 20 years ago. Last 5 years I bought a dobro, then a Wiessenborn then to get a guitar sound I bought a acoustic and had the action lifted to match Wiessenborn.
Then I thought I can play regular guitar and use my index finger as a slide....tried different tunings and now use DGDGBD and John Ely chords finder and I am really happy to be playing again. No good for lead but I have 3 nail gelled on righthand and it works. I play a wide range of covers and Christian music and they sound ok. Low action and extra light strings help.
Thank you so much for these tips.. I'm seeing an orthopedic hand specialist next week.. I'm actually bringing my Martin HD28-A/E to the appointment so I can show her the issues I'm having which I hope will help her with giving me options for strengthening my hands and fingers ..🎼👊😎🎼✝
Thanks for the video Nate. I'm 71 and I've just started getting problems and was wondering if I should pack in playing. Your video has changed my mind. I will just readjust.
Awesome Allen. This comment alone makes this video worth the work.
Hey Nate, I’ve just discovered your lessons... they're brilliant!
You're a natural and skilled teacher...
I'm 74... and found using Therapy Putty & Stress Balls while watching TV, has strengthened my grip and lessened my joint pain.
(Although, ‘I just say no to drugs’)
I've also found my playing skills improve with 1oz of Jamison.
Thanks for the tip Acoustic guitar Canada.
I am 75years old and have arthritis in my hands. Thanks for the advice! (still going on playing the guitar)
Cool video Brotha! Encouraging...
most ppl aren't even remotely aware bout scale length on guitars. Most electric are like too long for ppl like me who have shorter fingers. Fenders are like 25.5". Gibsons are 24.5" ish. I'm switching to a shorter one...
but what helps me cope a lot now is immersing both hands (forearms) into an ice cold bucket of water for 10 secs max, then very warm bucket of water. Repeat for like 10-15 mins. REALLY helps alleviate pain n circulate healing within
Yea man, setup is a must. My yamaha guitars and American guitars are difficult for me to press, but my Takamine pro line guitars fly, they almost feel like electric guitars but don't buzz. I have to see if I can get my Yamaha guitars setup lower: My LL Yamaha is better now that I've put custom light strings on it. Nylon string crossover guitars also work great to rest the fingers for acoustic players. I have cubital tunnel type of pain and upper back and shoulder pain problems. I've been having them for 2 years and all the specialist have to offer is more advil. I do physical therapy which helps a lot, sleep with elbow and hand protectors. Anyways, playing music, piano and guitar, is breathing so I'm glad I can still rock on here and there.
I love playing guitar but my hand cramps up. Thanks for the tips bro. I also have a bad back and shoulder I use a pad on my guitar strap. I also tend to tilt my guitar as it gets easier to play rather than the old way I learned when I was a beginner. The guitar is my haven and it is very therapeutic. Again thanks for sharing.
🎸🎵🎶🤘🏼
Thanks Nate! I'm 62 and dreamed of playing guitar but my hands always give me trouble. I have started and stopped twice now and really feel the emptiness of not playing. I am about to start again because I just bought a hard to get Firefly semibody, so I am motivated again to start. The thicker pick sounds good I didn't know they had thicker picks. But I will try your suggestions! Thanks Nate!
First noticed my right index finger curling in. Worked great because it helped me grip a pick harder. Then I noticed I couldn't grip a pen with that finger. Then my left thumb started aching. I'm a lead and I love jazz, blues and rock. Too late noticed I put way too much pressure against the neck back-side. Self-induced arthritis.
I'm 17 but I have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. My arthritis is primarily in my left wrist, and it gets stiff really easily. I recently picked up the ukulele this summer during quarantine and I've definitely encountered some problems. Some of the techniques in the video I've learned on my own, but I did learn some new info that I'm thinking of trying out, so thanks for that! For others with arthritis in your picking hand, I really recommend wearing a compression glove. I found a basic one at Walmart for $6 that suits me well and eases the pain a bit, but I'm sure you can find better ones that work for you. And for songs that have more complex chords and fingering, I transpose them a step or two (or near to my singing range) up or down so that the chords are easier to play. It's easy to do online. I usually learn song chords through websites, and the websites usually have an option to transpose the entire song for you. I've found that really helpful.
Thanks. I'm only 48 and my arthritis has gotten pretty bad. My fretting hand is starting to "curl". All the broken fingers from playing Rugby in my youth probably didn't help. I've been worried that I might have to give it up, but I'll try your tips. The concepts seem sound.
Cheers.
thank you thank you I I have the thumb and first finger that really hurt!!! You don't have to be old to have arthritis I have it since I was 17 years old.
another helpful tip is to use ice to reduce inflammation: ice the wrists, hands, fingers after playing. Also, wearing good solid splints (with the steel bars) to protect the joints is very helpful and takes the strain off joints when doing other tasks. Save your joints for playing guitar!
I've been playing for 50 years(although you wouldn't know it) had pain in my hands for 20 years or so from over use and arthritis. I will be using these exercises for sure but I've had some relieve using capsaicin . only usually need to use it once or twice a winter. the most important thing....dont stop playing altogether! like the gent in the vidio said play a few minutes a day.
Just discovered something else as well.If you hold the guitar higher up as you suggested and yoe exert a bit of forward pressure with your chest you can get away almost no pressure on your finger joints {left hand} as long as you place your fingers as close as possible to the fret.
Wow! Loved the video. Thanks for taking the time to try and help people with arthritis or any other joint problems. I was wondering if there are specific brands of acoustic guitars that might be easier for us with joint issues to use.
Any guitar that has low action and jumbo frets.All Gibsons have jumbo frets,but they're a bit pricey.
All very good info. You could also try a lighter weight guitar. Or a travel guitar or one of those cigar box guitars or even a mandolin. You don’t have to switch entirely but having something easier to play can fill in at those times when your fingers or hands are bothering you. As mentioned, slide guitar is great option. I’ve also tried to cut back on playing too vigorously. I find it harder to really rock out, with lots of string bending and shaking. Even chickin pickin’ and other styles of finger picking can be difficult. I also have several pairs of compression gloves. I think it’s Tommy Copper that makes a thin glove and the finger tips are exposed of course. There are lots of thicker compression gloves and they all have the open finger tips. I will play with the very light glove on my chording hand and a thicker one on my strumming hand. If I’m finger picking I will use a thinner glove. There are also wrist and thumb braces. Steve Morse plays with some sort of brace on his picking hand. I try to warm up my fingers before playing and I when I play I start out slowly and build up. I also know my limitations and although I don’t always take my own advice, I try to take it easy when my fingers are bothering me. If you have any kind of heating pad, that’s a good thing to put on your hands when you stop playing. It’s crazy how fast age creeps up on you and I laugh when I think of the old grandpa things I have to do to keep playing. But 90% of my playing is by myself so I don’t care how I look or act. I still get a huge amount of joy from playing and it’s so much fun playing along with the stuff that’s on UA-cam. I’ll keep playing until I die if I’m physically able.
Some good points here thanks.I’m 61 and arthritis is popping up everywhere including my fingers. I’ve found that soaking my fingers once a day for a minute in really cold water keeps arthritis at bay big time.I got this information from the iceman Wim Hof which is backed up by science and well worth checking out.
Get a nylon string guitar. The strings are low tension and soft, so easy to play. They sound amazing. There are cross over versions with thin necks that play like a steel string. I just bought an Alhambra CS-LR and what a difference.
Thank you for this man. My left hand middle finger has been solid stiff and hurts to bend i hate it, it affects me wanting to play music
As a quick, cheap option try a capo: Detension the strings to an E where the F#or G would be.
I have Rheumatoid arthritis and I’m 15 I feel like giving up everyday it so bad in my hand I can’t make a fist nor straighten my hands but I wanna learn guitar Bc of my grandpa that has passed but idk anymore it’s so hard to play
Check out mindfulness yoga by Corey do is on youtube. He got rheumatoid arthritis when he was a football player in high school. He's the only one who does yoga for arthritis right. All the people doing it that don't have arthritis are horrible. He has chair yoga and standing with on the ground yoga
Thanks man. I have Carole tunnel and artharitis. Don't know if it will help to have the surgery.
Thanks for the advice. I’ve just started getting pain and discomfort in the first knuckle of my index finger - where the neck rests - and it’s scaring me to death. It feels like a lump of pain, pushing me away from the board. I don’t know if it’s arthritis or not, I’m gonna try some of your tips! Or find a new hobby. ☹️
I'm 18, I've had Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since I was 13. My thumb gets sore while playing, But practice should fix it. Thank you for the tios
Is swelling on fingers on my fingertips normal except the stiffness? I’m new on guitar thank you
Love your videos
I'm young but I still have physical/pain issues when I play guitar, primarily in my strumming arm shoulder. I've never really had much finger pain when I play, but I've noticed lately I stop playing/practicing earlier than before because of my shoulder pain, which is really frustrating when I'm still only about a month into learning. Hopefully your tips help. Either way, good video!
Hi there, what is that specific ergonomic chair that you use? It looks good, can I get it on Amazon?
Thanks for the video! Has anyone else encountered this? After having no problems with my fingers previously, my index finger does not function well in conjunction with my other fretting-hand fingers. There is no pain, but it is stiff and kind of lacks control. I've seen a hand surgeon and had a nerve conduction test. Nobody has been able to tell me what the problem is. Thanks for any insights anyone may have into this.
I've got psoriasis and developed stiffness in the joints but nothing in hand till I just didn't take any breaks I wanted to get better and just jammed out hard and long, a few days later found my picking index finger fat as a balloon, and just kept getting bigger down the next knuckle and finally stopped at the last knuckle and got scared this was going to be a whole hand kinda dealio, checked in with the docs found out that my carpal tunnel isn't engaged and I've got control all the way up to the knuckle with good connectivity so we chalked it up to inflammation and just using a thick pick for too long. so I've dialed my gear back with floppy picks, actually kinda feels good now. still on the mend but at least I'm still able to practise, I was thinking if the doc says operation I'm like here we go lefty from now on lol. take care of.your health, what you eat, drink, essential vitamins-minerals, exercise and stretching all that good stuff, meditation-practice good breathing and love every single second of life.
Thanks. I got a question for you if you ever read this.
I don't know if it's because I did martial arts but I had the thought to go into the pain. Rather than run away from it and do easier chords and fdifferent ingerings. I like the idea but what about what I have been doing. Is this ok to do? And have been popping my knuckles and pulling on my hand and using a lighter in between knuckles and then pull the thumb over lighter and pop it. Etc. Ifeel like no pain no gain and if I keep at it, it will find it's way to the area that originally caused pain and stretch it out and kadsagev it.
Thanks for the Vid - I'm back trying to learn the guitar after nearly 50 years - and I find I cannot stretch my LeftHand "little finger ( Pinky) " So thanks for the tips - maybe now I have the time, I may finally master the instrument :-)
I just started playing 3 months ago and just noticed my left hand (fretting) knuckles hurt at the middle knuckle. Especially my pinky. Should I take a break from playing? Am I possibly holding the strings too tightly? I suspect it’s because of how hard and Tight I bend my fingers to avoid hitting other strings... any thoughts or advice would be appreciated!
Great video btw and thank you
I have RA and my biggest problem is switching between open cords like from a C to G , it feels like your hand is locked in a vise!
Any tips for tendonitis in the elbow on the chording arm, not the strumming arm. I'm newer to guitar and an wondering if this is normal and just need to build up muscle strength in my forearm more.
I have pain in my fingertips when n I am not playing. Hoping rock tips will help me play the ukelele. Kindle can't figure out if that's a word or not.
Can you tech how to do riptide