Elbow pain

Heretic

Six years ago I was in great pain from overuse of my hands and very poor posture. I came across this book and followed the exercises like my musical life depended on it. After 1 month I got 80% relief, after 2 months 98% relief. I still do many of the exercises on a daily basis, and it makes all the difference to me. Without correcting the cause of this pain things will only get worse.

You can get the book from Amazon, or www.sporttouch.com.
The author is Kate Montgomery.

End Your Carpal Tunnel Pain Without Surgery ($24.95 + S&H)

Fully illustrated with graphics. . . easy to read and follow! This book introduces a series of quick and easy techniques to correct, strengthen and prevent tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and most muscular skeletal injuries of the arm, wrist and hand. Using these twelve simple steps, you can change the structural misalignment that causes the entrapment and compression of the median nerve in the elbow, wrist and hand. This book deals with the physical healing of the body to create balance as well as the ergonomic relationship to the body in the workplace. Both are the solutions necessary prevent work-related muscular skeletal injuries.

bonza

the weird thing is that i have been playing guitar on and off for around 16 years. mostly cords but i have played a bit of blues lead in that time
but this was the first time i ever got that pain?
the pain in my arm has now gone but i get pain in my wrist when i use the limp gypsy style? and i find it uncomfortable.
i know that all the proper players use this wrist style but is it an absolute must?

cheers'

djadam

La pompe can be hell on an elbow if you're at all tensed and overusing the elbow. As with tennis elbow, the best advice I've ever heard is to let your pain be your guide. Play despite the pain because the activity increases the blood flow to the area and thus helps speed up healing, but don't overdo it. If the pain gets strong, stop. Or play more slowly and relaxed.

HotBoots

i've been switching over to the gypsy technique over the last few weeks, an just started not having elbow pain finally. I tapered down over the weekend to less then an hour of playing and just focusing on keeping the wrist and elbow completely relaxed.

Also, take into consideration your computer use. the leading cause for RSD (repetitive stress disorder) is computer use. Typing and using a mouse, especially with incorrect ergonomics can really screw up anything from your shoulder to hand.

KB

I'm assuming your wrist is loose and flexible...but i had a similar pain.

the different pains i noticed (mind you my wrist was very loose and comfortable)

1) forearm pain towards the elbow area (extensor muscle & brachioradialis - see link)
2) bicep pain from putting too much weight when leaning over to look at strings)

http://www.forearmmuscle.com/forearm_muscle001005.jpg

1) I'm not sure this has any connection but i noticed that the way i held the pick b/w my thumb and index finger made a huge difference on my forearm. I've been experimenting with the thumb positioning and it seems to ease the pain in the extensor muscles

2) my biceps are huge...just kidding. The book talks about how the guitar would slip from Django when he played...i realized that I was placing too much weight so now i don't lean as much and place my body weight.


Hope this helps...i would definitely keep experimenting w/ playing different positions (as long as the wrist is loose and as depicted in the pictures in the book).

kevorkazito

I have 'golfers' elbow, which is pain on the inside of the elbow (closest to your torso). You will get whenever you do anything that requires gripping. That includes hours of playing. Count yourself fortunate if you don't suffer from this.

I found the best exercise to strengthen my is using the Handmaster: http://www.handmasterplus.com/

The red ball is the best that I found. You can find other exercises but none compare to how well this works. This ball saves me daily.