The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #117798   Message #2542385
Posted By: Bernard
18-Jan-09 - 02:16 PM
Thread Name: Left Hand Rehab for Guitar
Subject: RE: Left Hand Rehab for Guitar
I only dislocated the middle finger on my left hand, and it took two years before it was anything like back to normal. A break may take a while longer. I was abe to start exercising the finger right away, but that isn't an option with a break.

I did lots of stretching and bending exercises to regain flexibility, clenching a fist and then fully outstretched. The hardest part was to get my fingertip to touch my palm again with a clenched fist - vital for proper fretting. Until I could do that, the finger felt really clumsy and unpredictable. Sometimes it would just 'lock' in a half-bent position, especially when cold.

My doctor advised using a basin of hot water as heat treatment - as hot as I could stand. Far more efficient than heat lamps and such.

Sadly, I think it will be a while before you get the muscles, ligaments and tendons back 'in fettle'.

Good luck!