2.7 How do I avoid RSI, carpel tunnel syndrome, etc? (Classical Guitar)
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This article is from the Classical Guitar FAQ, by Joshua Weage (jpweage@mtu.edu) with numerous contributions by others.
2.7 How do I avoid RSI, carpel tunnel syndrome, etc? (Classical Guitar)
This is a letter that was put to the group once. NOTE: We are
not doctors.
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I have a pretty trashed right hand. I broke
my wrist twice, and I have a classic boxing
fracture (little finger meta-tarsle) that points
my little finger knuckle down by ten degrees.
When I got into Etude #1 by Villa Lobos, I started
getting a burn in the tendon for my _a_ finger, on
the back of my hand. By trial and error, I found
a few things out.
I was squeezing my guitar too hard with my right
fore-arm. That was constricting the tendons in
there. I had to adjust my posture to let the guitar
stay in my lap without clenching it so hars. This
was especially tough for barre chords, but I am
learning to relax more every day.
I like to use the tip of my thumb, rather than the
side of it, to pluck. This causes me to elevate my
wrist, and consequently bend it. I have always tried
to keep the line of fore-arm to wrist straight on
one axis (i.e. I avoid the "Segovia" bend that puts
the fingers at right angles to the strings), but this
is on another axis. I found that straightening the
wrist on all axes really helps me. I do this by
using the side of my thumb. I don't get it COMPLETELY
flat, but it is very close. An added benefit is that
the base knuckles for my i m a fingers are raised, so I
can get more of my stroke from the base for those fingers.
I understand this is preferred.
All this, and the burning in the back of my hand has
diminished significantly. No doctors, no steroids, and
no knife. Mind you, I am more of a hobby player, averaging
14 hours a week (two hours a day) or less.
I hope this helps...
Chris Despopoulos
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