Color/Winter guard question?

Question

How do you prevent yourself from gettingcarpal tunnel syndrome if you spin rifle/flag? My wrist really hurts and I have practices 4 times a week and I have to spin at each of these. There's no time for me to recover in between practices.

Answer 1

Wear a wrist brace as much as you can. If you cant spin with the brace, use an ACE bandage wrist brace, it;'s like an elastic sock. at the very least tape it up

I've also seen a chiropractor who was able to fix my wrist problems. I had a pinched nerve from all the twisting. He just popped this little tool up and down my arm and it fixed it all.

Answer 2

It's not carpal tunnel, it's just that your muscles are not developed for this activity.
Tape it up like football players tape their ankles. Be sure to go around your thumb. This will provide support. Wear the tape at every practice, but of course, not for performances.

The more you spin, the stronger you will become. If you like the activity enough to do it every year, there are exercises you can do in the off season to strengthen your wrists. Check with a personal trainer ot physical therapist - or even your family Dr. for exercises.

Answer 3

I don't think its carpal tunnel but more of a case of sore muscles. This happens to me early each season and I noticed that rolling and stretching out my wrists for a few minutes before practice helps warm up my wrists and reduce pain. But if this has been a problem all season, thats not normal and you may want to contact a doctor.

Answer 4

If you think you do do both cheerleading and guard captain then you should. But don't overwhelm yourself. Since you said cheerleading isn't that big at your school, it probably won't be as demanding on your schedule as guard especially if they don't do competitions.

Answer 5

You could tape it but there are also "brace" type things that work for practicing and wearing when you are not twirling. You can get them a grocery stores or drug stores.