Left Wrist Says Ouchies Again!

I tried to play Jeux Interdits part 2, forgetting to warm up beforehand. What did I get? Minutes' worth of ouchies!

A few pointers on correct left hand position -- correct being not just a matter of following strictly formalist classical playing; rather, a matter of warning to those who do not wish any unpleasant, painful sensations while playing.

Take a close look at the thumb position. The thumb should never - evah! - cross the palm, or else pressure when pressing the fingerboard will fall on the median nerve, a primary ingredient for wrist pain. Instead, do:

 

... pull your thumb out and away from the palm. Playing this way will also force your fingers to lean towards the left, making bars easier for both index and middle fingers.



PS. My MS Paint skills are once again put to the test!

Left Wrist Says Ouchies!

Writer's Cramp. Occupational/Professional Neuritis. CTS. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I don't have it. But everyone is in danger of having it, regardless of profession. I'm a guitarist, percussionist, typist. If I'm not in front of the PC/laptop, I'm playing my guitar. The result: a stinging, tingling pain that shoots from the center of my left wrist to the middle of my palm. I'm not about to call this sensation CTS, because it may just be wrist pain. But it's my body's way of saying there's something I'm not doing right and, by goodness, I have to correct it. Now. Or else.

As much as I love playing my guitar and djembe, I don't want to face the day when I can't play because of a ruined wrist. CTS can't be cured, but it can be corrected through surgery. Yipes!!!

Although I have been taught to do warm-ups and simple exercises before performances, I tend to forget that this word of wisdom also applies to practice sessions. What I do: hold my palms together in a "praying position." I keep to this position while I slowly move my palms towards the floor. Then I shake both hands separately.

taken from http://www.drfoot.co.uk/

I dunno if this really works, but the first time I experienced wrist pain on my left hand, I took up poi. The pain went away. I don't play poi regularly now as I did then, so are the two occasions related? I have no idea. It's worth trying anyway, 'cause poi is very relaxing :)

Note to self: Warm-ups now = Play for life!