Exercises to avoid or resolve tight arm muscle problems

[michelew]

I suffer from very tight forearm muscles, partially because I use a mouse too much. However, it has gotten worst since I've started playing guitar, fingerpicking style especially (I think). I've gone into the things I've done to improve it in the discussion on "cubital tunnel..."

Do any of you do specific exercises before, during or after playing guitar to keep you arms, back, and general body in shape for playing and specifically to ensure that you don't do yourself any damage)?

I'd be especially interested to hear from long-time players and/or anyone that uses finger picking a lot.

Ta
Michele

[haoli25]

Hi Michele,

I have been playing for a long time and I use a small rubber ball to exercise the fingers on my left and right hand. I guess it also has some benefit for the muscles in the hand, wrist, and forearm too.
Before you try that, it might be a good idea to see a doctor to make sure that you don't have a repetitive motion injury. If everything is okay, try breaking up your practice routine. Add some strumming and flat-picking practice to compliment your finger-picking exercises.


Bill

[michelew]

Thanks Bill. I saw my Osteo yesterday. My arm is really sore today after the working she had to give me, but there's nothing sinister happening. I just figured that you guys that have been playing for a while might have come across some tricks that work well for you. Thanks M.

[neverfoundthetime]

Hi Michele. never had problems except for the left hand cramping after about 3hours of playing! Then it's time to stop! I find that physio's often have the right answer to any muscle problems. They know more than doctors usually. Have anyone you can ask?
Ever though of moving your mouse to the left hand, if you're going to be playing a lot of guitar?

[Chasplaya]

At work I have a large blob of Blu-Tac, I guess its called the same most places if not its the sticky stuff to put up posters and not mark walls. Now this is a golf ball sized blob and its more resilient than most rubber balls and I sit and squish it in either hand, its almost done subconsciously. This was a tip I got from someone about OOS or RSI and nothing to do with guitar. I also use keyboard shortcuts more often so as to relieve the mouse hand a bit.

[reiver]

Michele

I think that those of us who have been finger picking for a few (30!) years are able to relax our right arm more easily as we are not thinking too much about what our fingers are doing - they just do it semi-automatically. But I do remember how hard it was at the beginning as I tried to locate the part of my brain that controlled the third finger of my RH and my entire arm and hand was tensed. I'm sure that this will become more natural for you very soon and you'll feel much more relaxed as you play.

So I guess the best trick is practice! Or you could always try adding alcohol to your routine, I've heard that it can assist with relaxation. :laugh:

r

[Lavallee]

If you want to reduce the pain in your arm, when fingerpicking, do not hit the strings with force to enjoy the power of your guitar. Hit the string very gently so your hand will not get tense reducing the tension on your arm. You will also increase the speed. Same as golf in the backswing, relaxed arms makes fast downswing with no back pains.

works for me

Marc

[michelew]

Thanks guys. I'll keep your suggestions in mind.