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Stiff right hand fingers (some light pain)
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Samarto
Posts: 160
Joined: Mar. 21 2008
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RE: Stiff right hand fingers (some l... (in reply to FlamencoNZ)
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It is impossible for anyone to diagnose your problem over the internet. A Neurologist or prehaps an Orthopedic MD might shed some light on what is causing this problem, but chances are they will tell you, "learn to live with it." I understand your frustration as I live with several disabilities that make playing flamenco a real challenge. Both my hands are weak, constant pain, and stiff 24/7 as well as other nerve damage ( MD's call it Fibromyalgia-- basically a failure to diagnose) and losing my hearing (inner ear problem). A MD might be able to give you medications that would help depending on what is causing this problem. The side effects of the meds is a big consideration. Anti-seizure meds such as Tegretol can be efffective, but long term use can lead to serious problems such as electrolyte depletion, reducing white blood cell count to dangerous levels, etc. I have been down that road and at least stiff painful hands are not life threatening. You might consider other rasqueados such as q-i-p, etc. I can't remember the name of the famous gyspy that had use of only two fingers and his thumb on his right hand. He came up with some awesome technique. I find soaking my hands in warm water helps some. Also start with very slow movements and speed up as your hands loosen, if they do. Flamenco can be played with simple strumming and slow simple falsetas as long as you stay on compas. I have found my disabilites to be an ability because now I concentrate on playing with expression ... expressing my pain and frustration while staying in compas using a simple Soleares, etc. Even a Bulerias can be played slow although it won't make you popular or receive any praise.
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Date Apr. 20 2008 14:36:58
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John O.
Posts: 1723
Joined: Dec. 16 2005
From: Seeheim-Jugenheim, Germany
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RE: Stiff right hand fingers (some l... (in reply to henrym3483)
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I did have something similar in the a and c fingers which I assumed was an acute thing I did while practising. Though I was right it still took over a year and a half for the pain to go away. Like Sam said, the internet isn't always the best for these things, pain described in words is hard to diagnose. As an example: since I was a young teen I suffered chronic headaches and always just lived with them until they got to a degree I couldn't stand anymore - I'm talking close to crying and banging my head against a wall kind of pain. First place I checked of course was the internet. I got reading glasses, quit smoking, stopped caffiene and alcohol intake, regulated my eating habits, did sports, tried sleeping longer, extra strength migraine meds, nothing worked and I was still in pain, unconcentrated, tired and grumpy all the time. Recently after enough pressure from my wife I went to a doctor who explained it's not a headache but facial pain and prescribed me a special night guard to keep me from nashing my teeth at night. Headache's gone now!
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Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things
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Date Apr. 20 2008 15:42:51
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FlamencoNZ
Posts: 11
Joined: Jan. 10 2008
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RE: Stiff right hand fingers (some l... (in reply to HemeolaMan)
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Thank you so much everyone for your comments. This is quite overwhelming! I am not alone in this universe after all! LOL quote:
You're never too old to learn something new. BTW, ibuprofen helps a lot. John, I always keep putting up a challenge otherwise I get bored with it. I am in the process of learning a tangos for the last 6-8 months. I can finally memorise the whole 6 minute piece, now I am working on improving compas and ironing out the most challenging phrases. It is great fun so far! I am not desperate enough yet on taking medication. I do not like the possible side effects. However I started taking turmeric as an anti-inflammatory but it doesn't seem to help yet. I also tried glucosamine joint formula but no change either. quote:
You might consider other rasqueados such as q-i-p, etc. You are right Sam, I do play other rasgueados such as Ioannis Anastassakis's alternating up and down with the a and m fingers. It is easy to learn and can be very fast, and produces a nice continues rasgueado. I also use the abanico p-ma-p. Another rasguado I use is one I developed myself which is pii with the thumb going down and i finger up and down. So there are ways for which I do not need my e finger. quote:
take up tai chi, it cleared up a sore and stiff ankle ive had since i was 17. it's done wonders for my health and im only 24. im alert and always full of energy (some of my friends are not in the same boat) Tai Chi sounds interesting too Henry. I will look into this. I have been a very serious triathlete for years competing all distances including ironman. I'd like to think I eat and live healthy though the last couple of years I am not training as much any more (due to family commitments and loss of drive). quote:
Recently after enough pressure from my wife I went to a doctor who explained it's not a headache but facial pain and prescribed me a special night guard to keep me from nashing my teeth at night. Headache's gone now! You are right John, the internet isn't always the best but it is a good starting point. I will go and see my GP soon. Today I woke up with my fingers feeling pretty good again. The problem could be originating somewhere else. Perhaps a nerve pinched under my shoulder blade from being too tense when I am playing. I should try that mirror trick I read about on this forum. quote:
it seems counter-intuitive to most people, but regular, vigorous joint exercise usually improves arthritic joints and regular wrist flexing often reduces carpal tunnel problems over time. Interesting about improving carpel tunnel problems. I agree that it is important to keep moving. Depending on the condition but being passive is usually not a good thing BB. quote:
If this pain is based on RSI it might be because you have not properly warmed up with slow practice for your right hand before going into any of the rasgueado, picado and tremolo techniques. I've read many statements cautioning players to be careful not to overdo it because they can hurt or even permanently damage their strumming hand. Pgh_flamenco when I go out for a run or something, I always take care that I slowly ease myself into it (especially so as I past the magical 40 year mark) . However I never used to think that warm-up would be important playing an instrument. Though a few months ago I wised up and started doing warm-ups before playing and on the guitar. However, I couldn't possibly fit in 12 hrs/day playing, even if I tried I'd probably soon be single again. quote:
It is not from playing, it is more like arthritis, but I think I had some injury in the past, not sure if that is still considered arthritis. I notice it the worst a day before a storm or big weather change. Sometimes my hands feel swollen in the morning after drinking alcohol or salty food. Drink lots of water before bed and when you wake up. We've had a long summer here in NZ but when I cast my mind back then I think that every time my fingers "play up" (excuse the punt) it coincides with a weather change? I will start to take more notice of this see if there's a pattern. Oh, and I definitely need to go on more plane rides, maybe I need to try international because the domestic flights I have been on the last few months didn't seem to have fixed my problems! So, if I had to draw up a plan then I will do the following: 1) Go see my GP, 2) Keep playing, 3) Warm-up and stretching before and after play, 3) Find a Tai Chi instructor, 4) Buy a plane ticket to Germany. Guys, thanks so much for your ideas, comments and suggestions. If there are any more ideas out there please let me know! Dan.
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If you keep doing what you've always done, then you will get the same results as you've always got.
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Date Apr. 21 2008 3:18:57
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