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.

[NickA]

It's usually not the bass playing itself; it's the bass playing showing up the effect of something else.  Eg bad posture when typing at a computer.

 

I've had:

 

a frozen shoulder so I couldn't bow...that was triggered by falling off my bike.

 

Left hand pins and needles making finguring hard... Sleeping with a hand behind my head.

 

Right hand cramps ...that was resting my hand on the desk when using a mouse.

 

Tennis elbow .. tennis initially, then....don't know but bass playing doesn't make it worse.  Those clamp things help.

 

Left hand rsi...that may have been over-practice on a fat necked 5 string electric bass.  I think eBasses are far more injuries due to the angle they put in your left wrist.

 

Sometimes a physio will sort this stuff out...but it's hit and miss. Think " what hurts,and how might I have hurt it?" Then stop doing that thing.

 

Rest and stretches too.

[Cat Burrito]

I recommend getting a Powerball, which you can get from Amazon. I had some problems early on and it was a good way of improving my strength. Obviously, I would advise seeking medical advice too but the Powerball really helped. 

[Jakester]

I have struggled over the years with various RSI-type problems, particularly tendinitis in my forearms.

 

Going to the doctor was no help at all - they simply said to rest the affected area, which, when it's your arms and hands, is unhelpful. 

 

I've found this book to be very helpful with exercises to relieve the inflammation short term but also helping to prevent injury by helping you to develop mobility and resilience in the relevant areas. 

 

https://amzn.eu/d/3B1NHtE

 

 

Edited 38 minutes ago by Jakester