iwearnohats
Silver Member
Hi guys,
I'm interested in feedback from anyone who has encountered problems with Focal Dystonia, any sort of involuntary clenching, tension, etc. If anyone has also used this process to develop Traditional Grip as a solution, please let me know as well.
I'm currently in the process of trying to fix my own problem (which is undiagnosed but I believe to be focal dystonia). I believe I have isolated the primary cause but would like to test my ideas with other drummers before I draw up a video (and I still need more work anyway)
I have two primary components of the 'rehab' process, one is an alternative grip (not Trad), and one is redeveloping the 'correct' grip.
It's taken me over a year of experimentation and setbacks to reach this point.
The alternative grip has four main points:
1. Remain completely relaxed (crucial!)
2. Hand remains in 'flat', German style position.
3. Stick is 'bounced' using the underside of the index finger, between the first and second knuckles
4. Ring and middle fingers remain away from the stick and loose (unless you can use them without tension), and the stick is gripped only with the pinky.
I have found that this technique gave me enough facility for productive practise whilst I've been rehabbing the hand.
Points for redeveloping 'correct' technique, which is focused on strengthening the fulcrum first and foremost:
1. Initially, all technique work is practiced using ONLY the index finger and thumb, gripping the stick at its balance point between the thumb and the 3rd knuckle of the index finger.
2. Practice slow, 100% relaxed buzz rolls using pressure from the thumb (not tension) in a French-grip position
3. Practice high 'bounce' strokes allowing the momentum of the stick's rebound to extend the index finger. Use an American grip position
4. As you gain strength in the fulcrum, speed can be increased but only whilst remaining fully relaxed. Start incorporating double strokes and accented paradiddles, and eventually other rudiments and exercises as the grip becomes more comfortable.
5. Rest is just as important as technique work - if you can only do a few minutes a day, that's fine.
I am avoiding consciously having my middle and ring fingers touch the stick as this for me is the trigger for the involuntary tension, instead I am trying to allow my hand to naturally adapt to the fulcrum work.
The most important thing to remember in this little rehab program is to 'bounce' the stick like a basketball, and let it do all the work.
If anyone is interested in working on my ideas (or is experiencing the same physical and physiological issues), please let me know and if it works for you.
Thanks
I'm interested in feedback from anyone who has encountered problems with Focal Dystonia, any sort of involuntary clenching, tension, etc. If anyone has also used this process to develop Traditional Grip as a solution, please let me know as well.
I'm currently in the process of trying to fix my own problem (which is undiagnosed but I believe to be focal dystonia). I believe I have isolated the primary cause but would like to test my ideas with other drummers before I draw up a video (and I still need more work anyway)
I have two primary components of the 'rehab' process, one is an alternative grip (not Trad), and one is redeveloping the 'correct' grip.
It's taken me over a year of experimentation and setbacks to reach this point.
The alternative grip has four main points:
1. Remain completely relaxed (crucial!)
2. Hand remains in 'flat', German style position.
3. Stick is 'bounced' using the underside of the index finger, between the first and second knuckles
4. Ring and middle fingers remain away from the stick and loose (unless you can use them without tension), and the stick is gripped only with the pinky.
I have found that this technique gave me enough facility for productive practise whilst I've been rehabbing the hand.
Points for redeveloping 'correct' technique, which is focused on strengthening the fulcrum first and foremost:
1. Initially, all technique work is practiced using ONLY the index finger and thumb, gripping the stick at its balance point between the thumb and the 3rd knuckle of the index finger.
2. Practice slow, 100% relaxed buzz rolls using pressure from the thumb (not tension) in a French-grip position
3. Practice high 'bounce' strokes allowing the momentum of the stick's rebound to extend the index finger. Use an American grip position
4. As you gain strength in the fulcrum, speed can be increased but only whilst remaining fully relaxed. Start incorporating double strokes and accented paradiddles, and eventually other rudiments and exercises as the grip becomes more comfortable.
5. Rest is just as important as technique work - if you can only do a few minutes a day, that's fine.
I am avoiding consciously having my middle and ring fingers touch the stick as this for me is the trigger for the involuntary tension, instead I am trying to allow my hand to naturally adapt to the fulcrum work.
The most important thing to remember in this little rehab program is to 'bounce' the stick like a basketball, and let it do all the work.
If anyone is interested in working on my ideas (or is experiencing the same physical and physiological issues), please let me know and if it works for you.
Thanks