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!