Hand/wrist/arm health for guitarists.

brianlux

Well, for starters players, take care of your hands, wrists, and elbows.  They're often the first things to go in that order.  I wish I'd been a bit easier on mine.

I saw a photo of Neil Young in Rolling Stone recently.  He not only had his usual pinkish-red wrist wrap, but it looked like he had finger wraps as well, both on the right side.  That got me wondering what to use for wrist and elbow support.  I have arthritis, tendinitis, and mild carpal tunnel issues in both hands, and worst in right hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.  Lately, there have been days (like, most) where my entire right arm is in a lot of pain.

I've started physical therapy, and take all the supplements, but I haven't been able to get good advice for compression help like wraps or braces.  Anyone have suggestions based on experience with these things/ suggestions for things you've used?

Thanks!

Jason P

I was having problems with my thumb for the past several months to the point where I was ready to go see a specialist ... It magically went away a few days ago although I still feel it a little bit.  I took about 3 weeks off playing to rest it.  I was ready to give this a try ...

https://www.push.eu/products/hand-braces/push-metagrip-thumb-cmc-brace

It's not cheap, but if it works it will easily be worth it.  Other things to consider are ergonomics (good playing chair, wrist position, thumb position, classical style positioning, foot stool, reducing string playing pressure in fingers, etc)

brianlux

Jason P said:

I was having problems with my thumb for the past several months to the point where I was ready to go see a specialist ... It magically went away a few days ago although I still feel it a little bit.  I took about 3 weeks off playing to rest it.  I was ready to give this a try ...

https://www.push.eu/products/hand-braces/push-metagrip-thumb-cmc-brace

It's not cheap, but if it works it will easily be worth it.  Other things to consider are ergonomics (good playing chair, wrist position, thumb position, classical style positioning, foot stool, reducing string playing pressure in fingers, etc)

Good tips, Jason, thanks.

That thumb grip looks like something I could use for my left hand from time to time.  

I'm going to physical therapy again today.  The first time actually made my right wrist worse, but that was partly on me for not thoroughly explaining what was going on.  My orthopedist (who is great) gave me some more tips and said to keep up with the PT.  So fingers crossed I'll get better help this time.

Hope your thumb stays well, J. 

Stove

Carpal tunnel release surgery....4k. Got my left hand done last year and going to get my right hand done this year. 

Jason P

Does anyone use anything to protect their fingers?  I had a high E string give me a paper cut on a finger (probably due to dry hands / winter) and have heard of people using polish or other methods to help with long playing sessions.