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Electric for pain relief
I’ve had pretty tough arm pain since ~February and took several months off, got an ambiguous diagnosis from my GP but got some physical therapy, finally got an accurate diagnosis of a rotator cuff issue in my strumming arm, and decided to start playing again pending more PT. After a few days, I realized even my thinnest acoustic was causing much more pain than my electrics, just because it pushed my arm out a couple inches more. So I’m all electric now. (By the way if it sounds like I’m an experienced player because I mention multiple guitars, don’t be fooled—I’m just a perpetual beginner with a GAS problem.)
Don’t know exactly what my point is… maybe just don’t take the “acoustic” in Acoustic Challenge too seriously. A guitar is a guitar (Freud something or other) and especially for a beginner, everything is the same whether you’re on an acoustic or an electric, other than maybe finger pressure and the ability to play without an amp of some sort. That realization is a small win. Cheers!
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11 Replies
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Sorry you’re having rotator cuff issues @punder . That seems to be making its rounds amongst a few players. Better to be safe than sorry, and yes a guitar is a guitar in that instance. Glad you’re able to still enjoy some playing. Get better soon!
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Thanks Loraine! We had a work department lunch a few weeks ago and all eight of us had some sort of musculoskeletal problem—my mountain-biking boss just had back surgery! So, definitely not alone. Thanks for the good wishes!
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I’m glad you’re able to still play guitar. I hope you heal up soon. Hang in there!
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Thanks stevieblues. Hangin in!
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Punder-
I had lightweight rotator-cuff issues myself about 25 years ago, and there is one thing I remember. The pain. “Inside”-feeling. Always there- and seemed WAY worse at night trying to sleep.
Really REALLY glad you’re gettin’ thru it– and are still able to play.
No small win, my friend……BIG win.
Mark J
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Thanks Mark—Yep my arm gets sore at night—no way around it. Starting a new round of PT on Dec 21, looking forward to it. Fingers crossed… just like when I play, ha! Good to hear from ya!
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I often switch to ‘electric’ because of *Guitar players’ ‘Thumb tendonitis’ (??name??)
Cause it’s much easier on that ‘Thumb Squeeze’ to hold down strings. But, that never really goes away, that i Know of?
Point: I also have the same injury as you, from skiing fall, and after 20 years, useless physio (silly Machines)…..Your ‘Solution’ sounds like a ‘Winner’ to me. You’re just lessening the Outward Strain on the injured shoulder (says ‘i’?) by Not forcing it OUT another 6 inches, where it may be weaker? Will Definitely try that out, since my Strat and amp are now just ‘Decorations’ (to me?) “Guitar IS Guitar” … i like that one.
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Geordie, my little cheapie strat knock-off is my go-too at the moment. Amazing how small and thin it is. Does seem to be helping. Good luck with the tendinitis!
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Obviously the joy is in the playing and not the pure expectation that it must be a certain type of instrument. I wonder whether lap steel is less of a problem for people suffering these sorts of issues too? Anyway best of luck with the electric @punder. There are some beautiful ‘acoustic’ electrics out there too that might be worth a look as they are shallow but give that acoustic sound.
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Hi Moonhare (awesome moniker by the way), I have a cousin who’s played country guitar professionally since the 70s, and he started lap steel a few years ago—said it was quite a challenge. But it probably wouldn’t be any more challenging than “normal” guitar for me at this point. 🙂
Reminds me of a funny saying I heard recently. I’m more of a rock guy but it really cracked me up. “He plays both kinds of music—Country AND Western.”
Those Fender Acoustasonics look and sound awesome. A bit out of my budget at the moment but I would sure would love to have one someday.
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I don’t think there is anything wrong with playing your electric in order to keep playing. I do find that some of the daily challenges sound pretty good when I try them on the electric. I also find that, while my hand and arm pain isn’t as bad as what you are going through, playing my electric for a break on the weekends helps me not miss any days.
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