| Author |
Topic: Left Hand Cramp |
Ben Slaughter
From:
Madera, California
|
Posted 13 Apr 2004 8:20 am |
|
I frequently get terrible cramps in the palm of my left hand (thumb) to the point where I can't hold the bar momentarily. I've tried relaxing my grip and switching to a thicker bar. I believe I'm holding the bar correctly.
Any ideas?
------------------
Ben
Zum D10, NV400, POD, G&L Guitars, etc, etc. |
|
|
 |
Nate LaPointe
From:
Los Angeles, California, USA
|
Posted 13 Apr 2004 9:20 am
|
|
| Stretch, warm up, and break frequently. |
|
|
|
Bob Watson
From:
Champaign, Illinois, U.S.
|
Posted 13 Apr 2004 7:18 pm
|
|
| Ben, I notice that when I don't play for a while I get cramps in my right hand, especially if I go to a gig without practicing beforehand. They go away if I play more often. I am assuming that this is just muscle pain from using muscles I haven't used for awhile. Hang in there and practice, maybe taking breaks when your hand starts to cramp, and if it seems to persist, I would mention it to your doctor the next time you see him. Good Luck! |
|
|
|
Ben Slaughter
From:
Madera, California
|
Posted 14 Apr 2004 8:47 am
|
|
I tore up the tendons in my thumb about 10years ago playing basketball, maybe that has something to do with it.
But, didn't have any problems last night. 
------------------
Ben
Zum D10, NV400, POD, G&L Guitars, etc, etc. |
|
|
|
Rich Weiss
From:
Woodland Hills, CA, USA
|
Posted 14 Apr 2004 9:08 am
|
|
For a while I was squeezing a soft ball, doing exercises with it. I would squeeze it with both hands on the way to gigs. I found that the exercise helped strengthen the wrists, which translated in more hand stamina. These balls are sold in Fry's, for under $4.
[This message was edited by Rich Weiss on 14 April 2004 at 10:09 AM.] |
|
|
|
Jim Bob Sedgwick
From:
Clinton, Missouri USA
|
Posted 17 Apr 2004 2:13 pm
|
|
| Ben: Try not to squeeze the bar so hard. I don't know if you are a new player or not, but cramps are common with newbies. When the bar is on the strings, relax your thumb. The thumb is used mainly to keep the bar straight as you slide up the strings. The first and second fingers press down slightly to keep string rattle at a minimum. This may stop your problem. Hope it helps |
|
|
|
