Normally I play bass at least two hours a day when possible, I've been playing for about a year.
Lately, for some reason after about 1/2 an hour into playing the muscle going from the base of my wrist up to my thumb (it's kind of fleshy/muscle) I've started to get cramped/shooting pain so I have to shake it out.
Any ideas on what it could be? And more importantly, any temporary pain relief methods?
2007-07-24 21:32:48 · 3 answers · asked by Bryantpark1 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Umm...no, I'm not trying to "play" with my thumb. I mean my fretting hand which holds the neck of the bass, THAT thumb.
2007-07-24 22:07:22 · update #1
This comes unfortunately from repetitive use. It can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. When I get the pain in my thumb, just like you, I know I have to rest and not use it for several days. I also soak the hand in hot water with 1c. of dissolved Epsom salts. What helps me the most is to get deep tissue massage on my arm and hand. This really loosens up the muscles.
2007-07-25 03:21:47 · answer #1 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Buy a mini Irwin quick-grip clamp (it's about 8"long and clamp pads are about 3/4"x1/2"). Feel around for knots and sore spots. Clamp the meaty part of your palm just below the thumb where you feel problem spots. Keep it on for a few minutes and then remove for a few minutes. It will hurt when you remove it but go ahead and scratch it to get the blood back in the area. The more you do this the more it will "push" those problems out. You may have to experiment a bit to figure out how to put in on to hit those sweet spots but you will get it. 2. Take vitamin B6 and stay hydrated. 3. If you use your thumb a work like I do, wear a good thumb brace. Just remember to take it off now and then and move and stretch your thumb to cause it will get stiff though the day if you leave it on the whole time. 3. Ice it now and then and again make sure you make a habit out of stretching all the time. 4. If ypour like me I tend to squeeze harder on the neck when I am learning to play a song then I do once I know it so keep aware of your pressure at these times. I will wrap the lower half of my thumb with tape (keep it below the knuckle cause it may get your neck sticky) to give a little support and makes a good reminder of what your doing with your action. Hope this advice serves well. It has changed my situation completely.
2015-05-29 14:13:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I play Bass Guitar also and ive got the same thing but you should be using a pick or your index and middle finger to play bass.
2007-07-24 21:39:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋