Pain in the joint of left hand

[hitman050]

Hi guys

I normally grip the stick in German grip, with the fulcrum between the first joint of index finger and thump. I have no problems what so ever with my right hand. But there always seems to be a pain in the joint of my index finger of my left hand. Ive tried a lot to fix it, but no matter what I do, I always feel some pressure there. So, Ive changed it to the grip Jojo uses in his video. Basically gripping between the middle finger and the thump, and the index finger hangs loosely without much grip on the stick. Is there anything wrong with this, or can I fix the joint problem?

Thanks

[hitman050]

Anyone? Please

20202020

[hitman050]

Can't anyone help?

2020

[nebula821]

I don't know about fixing any kind of joint problems, but there's nothing wrong with the new way you are gripping the stick if that works out better for you. Good Luck.

[zambizzi]

"Doctor, it hurts when I do this..."

"Well, then don't do that."

Seriously, if it hurts, change it, you're probably doing an unnatural motion and pain is your body's way of warning you - don't ignore it. It may be a sign of tendonitis, in which case it's most advisable to take a few days off, at least. Gently stretch before and after playing, also.

[balboa]

i take it the new grip you are using is traditional grip? try taking some time off. i know it sounds bad, but i recently injured my left wrist. so bad i couldnt hold the fork with it while i was cutting steak with the other. I took some time off, ibuprofen or other anti inflammatory, and iced it occasionally. so far so good. You may not be letting the stick naturally rebound, and your hand is absorbing the shock with each stroke. look into the gladstone technique, it can be found on youtube.

[jonescrusher]

possible to get a photo up to see exactly the point on your index finger you're referring to?

I assume you're right hand dominant, therfore i'd guess that you're exerting greater pressure on the fulcrum point on your left hand to compensate for the hand's natural weakness. In that case you need to be working to improve strength in your left hand grip with the usual exercises.

[veggo32]

Ditto on jonescrushers post.
It seems to me if I read your post correctly that you are compensating for lack of proper grip and/or strength on your left hand, you are squeezing the stick too hard in order to gain better control of it and the result is pain. There are exercises on this site that will improve your left hand find them and do them until this problem ceases and desists. . Start slow and always be conscious of that left hand while your doing them, if your tightening be right on it, loosen your hand, I wouldn't be concerned about nailing every beat because that will divert yoiu from your left hand which is the focus of these exercises. I'm assuming your right hand is good.

[samnadel]

Hey...I had alot of problems with pain in my hand and wrists about a year ago and it took me a long time to work out how to fix these problems. Infact I had to stop playing altogether for 2 months.

I think all of this advice about grip is valid but there are other issues that you have to consider as well. My main problem was my posture and after seeing a few specialists i became aware of just how important it is to sit in a balanced, relaxed way. Quite often pain in your wrists or hands can originate from your shoulders and neck which all stems back to sitting correctly. Making sure you're stool is at the right height can be really important but probably the best piece of advice I ever had was to stretch before I play, every single time. SInce learning which stretches I needed to do its been much much better
hope that helps

[wilsonbangy]

Hiya all

I have a video on youtube about my warming up technique before even picking up a pair of sticks .. I hope it helps you as i have never had any pain in my hands, wrist and arms..

http://youtube.com/watch?v=udjykRhRQ-s

Thanks

James

[Big T]

I know this may sound a bit odd but I used to have problems with my joints hands and feet at some point. I bought no end of support straps and gloves etc but didn't really help. In the end it all came down to the way I was sitting. My posture was effecting my feet movement and how I held my sticks. It was quite surprising. I also moved the kit around me more than me around the kit. It has helped no end and I don't feel pain in my wrists and joints as much any more.

Hope this helps

Big T