Hand exercises

justme · Newbie Alert Joined: 31 Dec 2003 Posts: 2

First of all I would like to introduce myself and say hello.

My name is Andy and I am 49 years old. I have been playing the guitar off and on since I was twelve. I really enjoy good blues and smooth jazz. I do not post alot (on any message board I am a member of) but I do enjoy reading everyone's posts. I ask that our God bless all here!

Now to my question or problem. I developed carpal tunnel syndrome. I had surgery on my left hand in June of 2000. To be honest, I am not really sure it has helped or not. I cannot play chords (open or barre) for any length of time. On a good day, maybe 3 to5 minutes. I have tried adjusting my grip, changing the position of my thumb, and on and on.

The strange thing is that I can still play lead runs, and my speed and accuracy is better than ever. Oh, I forgot....I am having trouble with string bending due to using my thumg as the anchor point.

Does anyone have any advice? I have developed a more classical left hand style, but I guess old habits are hard to break.

Also, I would appreicate any and all prayer (s). Thank you. Jesus is Lord!!

sharring · Tiger Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 812 Location: Texas

Hey Andy...glad to meet you. I will pray for you regarding your Carpel Tunnel syndrome. You have likely done all this, but be sure to get more than one medical opinion. There are lots of resources on the web. I would also go for low, low action and thin strings (009 or 008 on the top E). I wish I could think of something real uplifting to encourage you-perhaps the story of Christ and his disciples meeting the blind man. The disciples asked our Savior who sinned, this man or his parents and Jesus told then that he was blind so that the works of God will manifest themselves in him. I'm sure He has a plan for you-hang in there brother! scott

Steve · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 5:26 pm Post subject:

I had the CT surgery too. It relieved my symptoms.
But you also have nerves in your elbow and shoulder that can cause problems.
IBprofen (if your stomach is OK) can help reduce swelling and symptoms.
So can losing weight!
I know a Filipino machinist (not fat at all) who lost weight and cured his CTS!

ACfixer · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 9:37 pm Post subject:

Hi Andy, welcome!

Jeeeez, Carpal Tunnel... I thought for the longest time is was the biggest crock of baloney since stress disability (like who doesn't have stress?). Then I get this girlfriend who has it and has had it going on 11 years while her job and the docs have screwed her around. Finally she gets the surgery 2.5 moths ago and it is NOT getting better and I realize this thing is for real. May God heal you brother, and if he doesnt', just play lead! Cool

I was going to say don't worry, there are plenty of people who can't play barre chords Laughing

but I suppose after 35+ years of playing you probably could play them at one time! Wink

sharring · Tiger Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 812 Location: Texas

Ibuprofin or Motrin or Advil-all Non-steriodal Anti Inflamatory drugs (NSAIDS) are great at this kind of pain relief. Just take them with food in your stomach so you don't get ulcers.

justme · Newbie Alert Joined: 31 Dec 2003 Posts: 2

I thank all of you for your replies. I especially thank you for your prayers. In a way I feel guilty about my situation.......after all I can still play something; I am sure that there are others who do not have the physical ability to do anything.

In the past, my playing was all about me. I am ashamed about that. God' gift of music is to magnify Him, not ourselves. It is all about Him, not me. I truly wish I had learned that earlier in my life.

I thank God that there is a place where followers of Christ can come together and fellowship and learn and most of all encourage each other.

Thank you my brothers and may God bless each of you.

jdragon · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:28 pm Post subject: Hand exercises

Learn the Piano,

I hear that is good for people with CT. Maybe it's true i don't know. But it's worth a shot. Just get you a keyboard or something.

Jay