Re:Ask YC: What to do with repetitive strain injury problems?
by mechanical_fish on Sunday May 25, 2008 @06:20PM
(#199770)
Yes, see a physical therapist. Don't just try to diagnose yourself, which is what you seem to be doing right now. The pains in my arms and wrists were due entirely to postural problems in my shoulders and neck, which was pinching the nerves leading to my wrists. If I'd kept self-diagnosing I'd have tried keyboard after keyboard, wrist braces, less wrist strain... and have completely missed the small adjustments to my monitor and my chair that actually make the difference.
Plus, PTs can prescribe proper massage, therapy, ultrasound and/or drugs to speed up your healing.
Re:Ask YC: What to do with repetitive strain injury problems?
by michael_dorfman on Sunday May 25, 2008 @11:07AM
(#199531)
I agree completely, a good physio is the way to go. Monitor your results, and if you are not satisfied with the way things are progressing, try another physio. Like anything else, some are better than other.
In terms of the guitar, though, I'd definitely recommend Jamie Andreas's Guitar Principles, to help you play without pain/injury. (It will also improve your playing.)
That is what helped me when I got what sounds like pretty similar to you: Too much guitar playing causing left hand/wrist/arm problems. Unfortunately it still isn't entirely better, but fortunately typing doesn't seem to be a problem with it.
Sort out your posture, wrist/hand position when typing. I'm sure someone else can point you to decent information on this.