Hi all:
I have been playing on and off for about five years, recently ramping up my playing and practicing (and starting the ArtistWorks course with Andy Hall) and attending more jams. In the past couple weeks, I have been getting some pretty intense pain in my left shoulder (same side as my bar hand), which seems to kick in several hours after I finish playing. And I'm not talking three-hour sets; this is after brief, 20-minute practice sessions. The feeling and location is almost exactly like what you get the day after a vaccination. Sort of like a dull ache, that's bad enough to wake me up in the middle of the night and keep me up.
Anyone ever get that too, or have any recommendations? Here are some initial thoughts for things to try, but I welcome more suggestions!
-Adjust strap/guitar height
-Relax my left arm and shoulder more
-Adjust elbow placement (tucked close into the body, vs. way out to the side)
-Try not to hold the bar too tight
-Ramp back on playing time/intensity (really don't want to do that!)
-I have also been picking up speed in my bar hand; wonder if that is related as well.
It's frustrating because I am starting to see results from my increased playing time, and want to keep the momentum going!
Thanks in advance.
-John
You should got see a Doctor.
Consider that it may be starting in your neck, rather than shoulder. Have someone take a side photo of you playing and observe your head position. You cant tip your head down, but leaning your head forward of your body can create some real problems. Your head should be centered over your body. Also, as you suggested, a raised arm shoulder up position can be bad. Everything should be relaxed and passive. Is this problem sitting down, or playing standing up?
quote:
Originally posted by Lounge PrimateYou should go see a Doctor.
Typo
Edited by - Lounge Primate on 11/24/2024 10:53:48
In addition to figuring out what is causing the tension, I suggest adding stretching and exercise to your practice routine. Actively working your muscles in ways other than playing makes a big difference in my experience (more with other instruments, as I'm pretty new to dobro). Also, ramp up your amount/intensity of playing gradually. With all sorts of instruments, injury is almost always associated with going from a little to a lot (relative to what your body is used to) too fast.
If you care to travel to zipcode 20871 I can observe your playing position in person.
- or I'll be on a steel gig in Purcellville on the 30th and I can check you out between sets.
Also, Alex Sens (terrific player) lives in Arlington and the Scene's Fred Travers is in southern MD.
You have options.
hp
Edited by - hlpdobro on 11/24/2024 14:39:32
Appreciate the replies and suggestions. In response, this issue comes up after playing both standing and sitting.
Will definitely keep in mind the importance of stretching, relaxed playing, and not doing too much too quickly.
And hp, thanks for the local suggestions! I will let you know if I can make it out there on the 30th. Keep us posted on other upcoming gigs.
Never had those issues .
But IF I did , my first stop would be my Chiropractor.
Thanks for the reply. After the initial thread, I found a video on YouTube with at-home exercises for fixing a pinched nerve. Tried those a few times a day for several days, and have been paying more attention to my posture. Haven't had any issues since!
Newest Posts
'String sizes' 3 days
'Stepick Travel Weissenborn' 5 days
'What Dobro model? ' 6 days
'GunSlinger' 13 days
