Help: guitar playing - repetitive strain syn'

Subject: guitar playing - repetitive strain syn'
From: GUEST,Mike
Date: 20 Nov 00 - 11:21 AM

I've been playing my guitar alot lately and I think I'm getting repetitive strain syndrome. Has anyone else experienced this and what can be done?? - Please don't say stop playing!!

Subject: RE: Help: guitar playing - repetitive strain syn'
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 20 Nov 00 - 11:44 AM

I had a problem with it a few years ago. In my case I developed a case of carpal tunnel syndrome in my left wrist (I play right-handed, fingering with the left), due to an increase in gigging frequency with my band, and lots of computer keyboard time. Went to the doctor, wore a brace, took anti-inflammatory drugs, and seriously considered an operation.

The good news, in my case, was that I was able to correct the problem by correcting my hand positions on the instrument. I was originally a classical guitarist, so I play everything from underneath the neck -- "proper" barre chords, never wrap the thumb over the top, etc. However, playing rock'n'roll style electric guitar leads one to hang the instrument kind of low on the body -- not to look cool, but to facilitate certain picking styles with the right hand. What I discovered was that this made me maintain a pronounced arch to my left wrist (again, picture someone with a low-slung guitar, wrapping his hand under the neck), which gradually caused the tendons running through the carpal tunnel to rub against each other and become inflamed. My solution, paradoxically, was to make changes to my right hand (picking) technique, which allowed me to shorten the strap and gradually ease the strain on my left wrist. I've been problem-free for a few years now.

The particulars of my situation may not apply to you, but three lessons I took away from it might. One, there's a lot you can do by examining the ergonomics of your playing and trying to figure out what you are doing that might be causing or contributing to the problem. Two, the doctors won't necessarily identify the root cause for you -- you may have to figure it out on your own. And three, the situation may well be reversible, which is something a lot of folks don't know and/or believe. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Help: guitar playing - repetitive strain syn'
From: GUEST,dadgbe
Date: 20 Nov 00 - 12:37 PM

Hi Mike and Whistle,

I'm a retired Chiropractor and have been a guitar player for about 45 years and work with many different musicians to try to discover how their playing styles affect their bodies. You're quite right that the bend in the left wrist causes repetitive motion injuries. One of the most successful treatments seems to be to re-think your technique to allow you to keep your left wrist straight. To do this you'll need to hold the guitar with the neck pointing upwards at 45 degrees or more. Give it a try.

Subject: RE: Help: guitar playing - repetitive strain syn'
From: GUEST,dadgbe
Date: 20 Nov 00 - 12:37 PM

Hi Mike and Whistle,

I'm a retired Chiropractor and have been a guitar player for about 45 years and work with many different musicians to try to discover how their playing styles affect their bodies. You're quite right that the bend in the left wrist causes repetitive motion injuries. One of the most successful treatments seems to be to re-think your technique to allow you to keep your left wrist straight. To do this you'll need to hold the guitar with the neck pointing upwards at 45 degrees or more. Give it a try.

Subject: RE: Help: guitar playing - repetitive strain syn'
From: Melani
Date: 20 Nov 00 - 01:00 PM

When I started to study harp, my teacher also emphasized that proper hand position is VERY important to avoid injury--this is undoubtedly true for any instrument. I am a self-taught guitar player, so God knows what awful things I am doing in that regard, but I don't have time to play enough to hurt myself, and so have never addressed it. I have recently been having very severe pain in my arms and shoulders, and have just discovered Feldenkreis exercises, which have helped tremendously. The method involves very tiny, slow movements, and can be done in whatever position you can comfortably achieve--lying down, sitting up, whatever. I have only attended one class so far and only done one set of exercises, but 15 minutes in the morning stops the pain for 24 hours. There are both books and classes available--check it out.