Re: Way OT: EM fingers!

[Richard Sales <richard@glasswing.com>]

Leo Kottke is a fun person to investigate concerning hand issues.  I think he's been through it all and had to stop playing for a while because of it.  The latest I've read from him he seems to be saying that he's amplified his acoustic guitar and is playing with a much more gentle touch, no fingernails, no fingerpicks etc.   So not picking so hard with the right hand helps a lot.  Of course, you don't get the big mojo when you play softer, which is kind of a bomb.

I pick very hard with my right hand with medium strings - acoustic, finger style mostly.  

I've noticed for myself that my posture when I play has a huge impact on my hands.  My hands have to be in just the right place, with correct wrist angles, or my fingers go to sleep.  This started when I was touring with Shree Maa (I was playing acoustic 12 string LOUD) and we would play some songs, or puja songs, that would last an hour or two non stop.  The strings started to feel like razor blades cutting through my thick callouses (SP?).  So now, when I sit and play, I sit classical style.  Really helps a lot.  When I get lazy and sit back on the couch and play my hands go haywire after just a few minutes of playing - an instant reminder.   But if I sit right, I can play for hours.

Not sure if this has any impact on the ganglion thing.  But if you practice more than an hour a day, paying close attention to your hands, posture etc - especially when you've accumulated decades of playing, is critical.  

Another thing my chiropractor told me was that I shouldn't look at my guitar (my left hand) when I play.  Apparently looking to the left - especially if your right arm is raised (which it isn't if you're sitting correctly), can cause neck and back issues. 

I bet rolfing (or deep muscle massage) would be good for stuff like ganglions.  You might check that out.  It might loosen up some of the muscles that are too tight.

As many have said, I think I would try to avoid surgery as long as possible.  

richard sales
glassWing farm and studio
vancouver island, b.c.
800.545.6846
250.752.4816
www.glassWing.com
www.richardsales.com
www.hayleysales.com
www.blueberryfieldsfarm.com
On 17-Jun-06, at 9:42 AM, goddard.duncan@mtvne.com wrote:

> >>I had one in my left hand, on the top, at the root of my 1st & 2nd fingers next to my wrist. Had it removed about 25 years ago. Do anything but surgery if you can, I still don't have 100% control of my pinky.<<
>
> ah, jeez.... I've got one in exactly the same place. left hand facing up, base of thumb between root of first & second finger, right on the seam of my wrist. what the hell are they? are there non-surgical options? this isn't a nuisance yet, but I've noticed my hand tires quicker....
>
> my natural inclination is to spear it with something sharp..... but obviously I am fighting this impulse! 
>
> duncan. 
>
>
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