DB related(?) RSI

[knirirr]

I hope this is a suitable place to post the following; I think it is probably related to DB playing, though there may be other factors.

 

Currently, I'm having a bit of trouble with both elbows; pain in particular when having the elbows bent for a few minutes, e.g. the right elbow when playing a bass guitar, and also some general fatigue and loss of grip strength in both arms making it harder to play upright for longer periods. The local physiotherapist thought this was all in the forearm causing referred pain to the elbow. Unfortunately, the exercises they recommended have not helped. I contacted my GP but there will be a wait for any further assistance, and it's unclear how long.

 

Perhaps the DB is the cause, given that it's a repetitive activity that will give the hands and forearms a lot of work. I've already got light strings (Evah Pirazzi) and I'm not sure what else could work. A week or so ago the local luthier had a look and told me that what was needed to reduce the tension was shooting the fingerboard so they could improve the action. This made the instrument a little easier to play but produced unpleasant buzzes and rattles. Reducing these requires raising the action again... In any case, whatever it is is making double bass more tiring to play and guitar (bass or otherwise) painful. 

When I had lessons I don't recall any issue with my technique, though I might book another lesson just to check on that. Perhaps it needs someone with relevant medical knowledge to take a look at my posture, though.
 

Has anyone else experience elbow issues like this? Do you have any thoughts if so?

[Burns-bass]

I can’t speak to your problems and I think a medical professional will be the best bet.

 

Personally my bass playing, posture and overall mental health has improved after going to the gym for the last year.

 

[knirirr]

Indeed, I am currently in the queue to see a specialist at some unknown time in the future. I might drop in to the local physio again, just in case.

 

Good to hear that the gym worked for you!

[JPJ]

Weakness in the hands suggests it could be carpel tunnel related, but pain around the elbow could also be tennis elbow. I used to suffer from tennis elbow quite a bit, despite not having played tennis for over 40 years. I found that an Epicondylitis clasp like this helped, in fact I still carry one in my gig bag just in case. Like @Burns-bass my elbow (and knee, and back) issues disappeared once I started using the gym regularly with a personal trainer. 

[Burns-bass]

8 minutes ago, JPJ said:

Weakness in the hands suggests it could be carpel tunnel related, but pain around the elbow could also be tennis elbow. I used to suffer from tennis elbow quite a bit, despite not having played tennis for over 40 years. I found that an Epicondylitis clasp like this helped, in fact I still carry one in my gig bag just in case. Like @Burns-bass my elbow (and knee, and back) issues disappeared once I started using the gym regularly with a personal trainer. 

The personal trainer bit is good advice. I had lots of support after a motorbike injury 18 years ago and I still use the training plan. 
 

Always speak with a medical professional and best of luck.