Playing with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome/RSI...what to do?

[Fassa Albrecht]

OK I'm really gearing up my playing because of band commitments and also a personal project I'm doing.

The problem is this- recently I've been in AGONY with swollen wrists, to the point where I was getting shooting pains up and down my arms, in particular my right arm.

So I'm wondering what I should do drumming wise. Should I using certain techniques or stop doing certain things?


Please help!

[sticksnstonesrus]

Go see a doc and have him diagnose and treat the pain.

Sounds to me like you are experiencing some form of carpal tunnel. I'm not a doc, but based on being diagnosed once with it, it sounds familiar to the symptons I would describe.

I was put on some kind of sterroid and recommended to stop any "aggrevated movement" in my forearms till it got better...only very slow stretching excercises via my wrists.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

It may be carpal, it may be arthritis, it may be strained ligaments. Only way to find out is to see the doc. Then follow his advice.

[oops]

I'd also say go to a doctor.

Take it slowly. If he says you can play, I'd go to a hand technique professional, have them analyze how you're playing and if you're doing anything inherently wrong.

It might be that you have to gear it down for 6 months and then come back with revamped hand technique...

[votard]

From what I've read about carpel tunnel syndrome, its mainly caused from having your wrists bent while doing a repetitive activity.
But I would check with a doctor if anyways if I were you.

[harryconway]

Follow the above medical advice. Looking at your personal profile info. (cycling, bass playing, drumming) you have a lot of activity there that puts strain on the wrists.

[fourstringdrums]

From what I've read about carpel tunnel syndrome, its mainly caused from having your wrists bent while doing a repetitive activity.
But I would check with a doctor if anyways if I were you.

It can be caused by a lot of things. I got CTS due to my using crutches for most of my life and the pressure it put on my hands.

Definitely go see a doctor and in the meantime, stop playing. You might have band commitments but those won't mean anything if you get to a point where you can't play any more.

If you're interested, read this article that I wrote on my experiences with Carpal Tunnel. There are also some links, prevention tips, treatment tips etc..

www.handidrummed.com/articles/tv2ct_part1.php

[Drummer Karl]

I agree with the others, ask a specialist (doctor) for help! He`ll be able to tell you whether it`s really a carpal tunnel syndrome or maybe just stress of work for your hand.
Anyway, be really really careful with that and treat your hand/arm with care.

I was in a similar situation a few month ago and the only thing which really helps is rest for the carpal. My doc made me a bandage with zinc ointment and treated it with light electric impulses.

Karl

[jonescrusher]

Shooting pains and swollen wrists should be screaming at you to stop playing altogether, at least until you get a proper diagnosis. Definitely do not consider playing shows, where you'll want to play at full pelt. Unless you've aggravated the condition away from the drums, it sounds like a case of poor techique coupled with over-ambitious rehearsal.
Get the thing under control and then look at getting, or changing to a new and reputable teacher.

[fourstringdrums]

or changing to a new and reputable teacher.

What would his teacher have to do with this?

[jonescrusher]

What would his teacher have to do with this?


Well, a good teacher will know how to instill good technique and practicing habits in a pupil which at the very least should minimise the risk of physical injury, no?

[fourstringdrums]

Well, a good teacher will know how to instill good technique and practicing habits in a pupil which at the very least should minimise the risk of physical injury, no?

Well yes but we don't know he has bad technique, and even with good technique, physical injury is still possible. He may not have even injured himself from drumming.

[balboa]

see a doc. also, anyone that i know who has had surgery for cps said they wish they never had the surgery! I guess they said it really didnt do a thing. Perhaps go and see a chinese doctor, or a doc that practices more natural remedies. There could be twisted ligaments or tendons that a good doc like this could massage back into place....good luck, im no doc so please dont trust my word.

[fourstringdrums]

see a doc. also, anyone that i know who has had surgery for cps said they wish they never had the surgery!

I had the endoscopic surgery (which I'd choose over all others. Only 2 small incisions and a 10 day heal time) and it did help a bit but not entirely. The main thing is you need to rest your hands during the healing time and a few weeks afterwards. Because I always have to use crutches, I didn't have a choice and it wasn't as effective.

[Vinnysimmo]

Go to a doctor..........

[jonescrusher]

In the interim, you could give therapy magnets a go....