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Not that sort!
Does anyone else have spells of stiffness or mild cramp type feelings in the hands or upper arms? I do and I don't know whether it's down to sleeping longer and laying funny at the weekend(after some ale). Could be climate related? I don't get it all the time though, it's odd.
I take cod liver oil too to try and preserve my ageing joints, but I still comes and goes. It's mildly a pain in the butt.
Anyone else have Physiological Niggles?
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Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
@octatonic
Raise Pint glass with right hand and Cigarette with left hand.
Totally shameless, I know, I don't exercise at all really apart form the odd bit off walking *checks spelling*.
I have a mildly physical job (Engineering)where I use my hands for tightening, manipulating and some mild lifting etc.
It seems to be fine in the week days though, oddly enough, and isn't always an issue at weekends, just occasionally. I doesn't hinder my playing too much but makes it not quite as comfortable which irks me slightly.
It must be down to how I'm sleeping I think or maybe the more alcohol consumed at weekends may play a part.
@digitalscream
Sounds very troublesome that does, you have my sympathies.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Yep, my body is fucked.
I have well documented issues with Crohn's. And I've had 1 metric fuck-tonne of cracked/broken bones and torn/damage ligaments and tendons.
When it gets cold/damp I get aches and pains everywhere.
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
@octatonic
Thanks for the reply.
I did know you are doing the Luthier degree, yes, hope it's all going well, although I have no doubt you will do just fine. It might be a while before I can afford an Ergonomic Guitar though ;-)
You read my mind mentioning "warming up", I was going to include that in the thread as I don't really tend to warm up. I'm guilty of diving straight in more or less as I am anal about the amount of precious time I have to play guitar.
Regarding practice. I tend to do rigid practice as only a fraction of my playing but I do fit some in everyday. I tend to only practice (technique wise) what I enjoy and intend to employ on the Guitar.
It's mainly Arpeggios, Scales and picking and Strumming(mainly funk) patterns. The rest is learning songs and solos and I tend to transcribe myself which is very good for learning.
As for alcohol, I'm not a lush or anything, so no need to worry about that. I was wondering though about how it affects sleep as I think it's a fact that you don't sleep properly and get "restful" sleep after a few drinks.
I've had "girlfriends of the time" tell me that I am a very restless sleeper and even one said I stop breathing occasionally for a short while and then make huge gasps. I've never followed it up going to the docs though as it's one of those things you could spend years investigating.
Thanks for giving me the heads up on Alcoholic Neuropathy though, the though of that is something to help kerb anybody's drinking.
Like I said, Oct, it's only occasionally it happens and today may have been the most I've felt it for a while. It just worries me what might come in the future.
You mentioned strength training and although I am not a "Gym" kind of guy I could do some light weights in the house or press ups etc. What do you recommend, owt specific?
It's surprised me really how I never factored exercise as I wouldn't have put guitar playing up there as highly strenuous, but I suppose there are a lot of muscles involved and I expect a healthier cardio-vascular system will show benefits everywhere.
Cheers, Oct.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
@octatonic
Cheers for the info. It's probably a good idea for me to do something, we'll just have to see how things pan out.
I'm generally unfit, although I don't look it, it's lifestyle, Drink, Smoke, stood up in work boots for 9 hours a day. I'm usually shagged out by the time I get home.
Running is definitely out as I have Forefoot Varus, basically my feet are fucked in layman's terms. I ran for the tram in short bursts not long back when I was late and got shin splints for a few days because of how the bones in my feet are.
There will be some inexpensive and suitable routine I could get going at home though, I suppose.
Ta mate
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
I'll not preach, I'm a fat fuck but my job (healthcare assistant) means I'm on my feet and constantly walking all day. Definitely a physical job, so despite being a fat fuck, my fitness is actually not terrible. Sounds like you're much the same.
The stiffness could be poor circulation. When I used to play piano, I had RSI in my right thumb and poor circulation, so the solution was a very physical warm up - a bowl or sink full of hot water. Don't burn yourself, but immerse your hands. It'll boost blood flow, so when you do a warm up and stretch, it'll work better.
Sadly, my thumb is in a constant state of pain and was caused by holding a guitar pick and texting on my phone. Sigh...
@ThePrettyDamned
That sounds like it could be Sleep Apnoea, but I don't know how often it happens or whether it has ceased to happen. It has to be "caught in the act" so to speak.
I'll have to get all my concubines to watch closer ;-)
If it's linked to being overweight, that counts me out as I'm built like a Rake, even though my names is BELLYcaster ;-)
I'm not fit though, I smoke and shouldn't as I have had a collapsed lung, it's ok now but I shouldn't smoke. I'm just hopelessly addicted to it. My diet is good, I will say that.
Thanks for the tip on the hot water I might try that.
Sorry to hear about your niggling thumb, do you grip the pick too hard or something? I would have blamed the texting more, especially if you were texting loads?
Now I don't, for comfort and because I get a cleaner tone (even if I've lost speed).
However, my thumb constantly gives me jip. I can't complain, there are folks who are suffering far more than I on guitar!
The hot water works a treat. It doesn't replace a decent warm up (today, I've spent about 4 hours practicing 3 riffs so I'm really quite warm now!) but it really does help you to warm up nicely in less time, if that makes sense.
There were other odd ones from piano, including a more old school warm up - playing with an orange balanced on the back of your hand. It forced you to use just finger movements... Luckily, guitar isn't as disciplined check out the Joe satriani warm ups if you want to be driven mad...
@ThePrettyDamned
Glad you seem to manage the thumb to an extent. I do feel for folks who get "real" pain and discomfort from playing.
As for the warm up exercises before playing, it would have to be a pretty quick warm up. I know it sounds like a moan, but I really do only get 1.5 hours up to 2 hours absolute max per night to have the guitar in my hands, so something that is 15 mins max would suit me if I can find such a warm up.
By about 9.30 I'm totally bushed and need to relax, you understand.
I'd probably not be suited to Satch warm ups ;-)
I'm not really after too much speed in my playing, I never intend to play shred although I like to hear people who can do it with style. I've gotten very close to as fast I want to get.
Definitely try warm water. It'll really help your warm up, it takes a minute but afterwards you'll warm up much quicker and get down to real practice quicker. I've never looked back.