Think I have tendonitis - taking a break :(

[crispsandwich]

I have always had some fretting hand issues with some chords and legato passages. My hands are small and I've never done stretches or incorporated a warm-up routine in my playing. Stupid, really. Anyhow, I have pain in my left wrist (at the top) that playing is aggravating. My left thumb is also sore. Dr. Google suggests that it is tendonitis. I don't think the issue is with my technique or playing position, just a lack of warm-ups.

I'm going to see my doctor in a couple of days. Has anyone else here experienced fretting hand/wrist issues? Any tips? I'm going to buy a wrist splint to wear when I sleep, and once the problem has resolved I will incorporate stretches etc into my routine. I'm guessing I'll have to quit guitar for a few weeks.

Total wrist rest isn't an option, as I have a physically demanding job, and I write with my fretting hand. I'm still hoping I can improve the situation.

[Bieling3]

Stretches and wrist splints really helped me overcome some similar issues... I also did exercises with 5 LB dumbbells, opening and closing my fists letting them roll as far down my fingers as I could and then curling them back up. I guess the theory is you spend so much time clenching and pressing down while fretting you have to work the muscles that do the opposite motion.

[guitarjazz]

Originally Posted by crispsandwich

I have always had some fretting hand issues with some chords and legato passages. My hands are small and I've never done stretches or incorporated a warm-up routine in my playing. Stupid, really. Anyhow, I have pain in my left wrist (at the top) that playing is aggravating. My left thumb is also sore. Dr. Google suggests that it is tendonitis. I don't think the issue is with my technique or playing position, just a lack of warm-ups.

I'm going to see my doctor in a couple of days. Has anyone else here experienced fretting hand/wrist issues? Any tips? I'm going to buy a wrist splint to wear when I sleep, and once the problem has resolved I will incorporate stretches etc into my routine. I'm guessing I'll have to quit guitar for a few weeks.

Total wrist rest isn't an option, as I have a physically demanding job, and I write with my fretting hand. I'm still hoping I can improve the situation.

Ice after playing every time. Take an anti-inflammatory. Do you play a lot of three note per string sweep kind of lines? That's a recipe for trouble if you aren't careful.
I know two people well that had issues with severe tendonitis. One was a classical guitarist that was practicing 8 hours a day for his degree...too much. His came on ...boom. He was practicing one day and all of sudden his wrist hurt like a sonabitch and that was it. After several years of rest he's back into playing but not the heavy duty classical routine.
The other is a certified guitar hero who get mentioned on the forum pretty often. He was going for the last note of a solo at a big concert when...boom...same deal, big pain in the wrist. He was able to come back with routine icing and meds. It took awhile.
I don't feel bad about not practicing today. I played in the studio all week, at least 6 hours a day. It's good to take a break.

[Boytbpc]

I have been having problems lately myself. Truefire.com has a Guitar Physiology video that I've been watching. It has already made a difference.

[jads57]

First get it diagnosed by a doctor to determine what you have. Then stop doingas much as you can and rest it. Icing it is a great idea as well as taking anti inflamatory Ibuproffen.

[Seraphine]

Change the way you play... change the height of the gtr / straps... change the way you hold it... Use lighter strings etc... even consider changing gtr's...

I almost lost decades of mastering the gtr to these things and it's not funny. Ice and any meds is dealing with symptoms... deal with the cause right away... I've been forcing players for years to listen to the wisdom... ALWAYS warm up and warm down... warm up EVERY practice and every show.... It should be 101 gtr for everyone.. as in this is how you do it, this is how it's done...

I saved my hand and continued to play... deal with the cause.. and often it does not require surgery or drastic "Medical" mumboJumbo...

Good Luck man....

[champion ruby]

Originally Posted by jads57

First get it diagnosed by a doctor to determine what you have. Then stop doingas much as you can and rest it. Icing it is a great idea as well as taking anti inflamatory Ibuproffen.

Yes, before you freak out too much go see the doctor, especially if you do physical work with your hands. Warm up, stretch and take note of your posture when playing too.

[Boytbpc]

Originally Posted by Seraphine

Change the way you play... change the height of the gtr / straps... change the way you hold it... Use lighter strings etc... even consider changing gtr's....

That Truefire Guitar Physiology lesson I am going through right now is great. I spent an hour last night adjusting the length of my guitar strap to decrease the pressure/bend of my wrist and I can immediately feel the improvement.

[Guido Sarducci]

Ive been noticing the exact same thing - a strange feeling in my wrist and sore/numb thumb... I got my strap out for the first time since forever and the fingerings that did it the most felt comfortable. With the strap I only get it stretching in the lowest position at the nut. Maybe even sitting you should use the strap. I think I had it angled too much but you should be used to the strap anyways. Like angled so you can see the top of the fretboard but with the strap you cant at all. Bending the wrist too much

[arthur rotfeld]

See a doc or physical therapist for some treatments/exercises.

I do a wrist relieving technique that works like a charm for me, whether challenging yoga poses or tough guitar passages. Take a look at this little video I made, especially about 2 min in:

[Baminated]

nutritional yeast & lechitin granules in shakes (talk to your doctor if it's ok for you to eat that stuff)
these have done wonders for me
http://www.newgrip.com/musicians.html

Also, get in a gym with a climate controlled pool, and start doing laps

I had it for almost 2 years and got back in playing shape !

[magicaxeman]

It could be your playing technique, you could be over rotating the wrist ( having the guitar to high or too low can cause this) or as the thumb is involved as well it could be that your playing to hard with your fretting hand, ie putting more pressure than you need on the strings.

I had both of these things myself until my disability prevented me playing altogether for a few years, then with the encouragement of my doctor I started to play again, this time making sure I didnt over rotate my wrist and lightening my touch considerably

[Seraphine]

Originally Posted by magicaxeman

I had both of these things myself until my disability prevented me playing altogether for a few years, then with the encouragement of my doctor I started to play again, this time making sure I didnt over rotate my wrist and lightening my touch considerably

The TOUCH!!!!! Da man's got Touch.

[kenoflife]

and try a good acupuncturist (I'm one) - get a couple of sessions, make sure
they're experienced, don't have them overdo it- they should work along the
whole neck/arm a little to make sure things are well relaxed. Then when things
have cooled off see if they'll have you self-apply moxa on it to strengthen the
area. Sounds weird, works great - along w/ proper exercise and rest.

[Michael_V]

Sounds like you have deQuervain's tenosynovitis. Take it seriously and follow your doctor's and physical therapist's advice. Trying to play through the pain could be career ending.