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  • Help- Finger strength from Neuropathy

    Posted by AttyTJ on May 14, 2021 at 6:56 am

    Suddenly, I have an issue now tentatively diagnosed as Radial Neuropathy. (It’s is actually the Ulnar that bothers me the most.)

    I know this is minimal compared to what many of my fellow TACsters have worked through, but is there any suggested way to rebuild the ring and pinky in strength and dexterity that someone can suggest when the wiring is sort of shorting out?

    Today, forming the Bm, and transitioning was really slow and ineffective, as the feeling and quickness are just gone. (Tried the finger pairs since they are coming back on Monday in a speed challenge, and that was just laughable for me at the ring/pinky pair).

    Thanks in advance.

    AttyTJ replied 3 years, 8 months ago 5 Members · 9 Replies
  • 9 Replies
  • Alfred

    Member
    May 14, 2021 at 7:19 am

    TJ, I’m absolutely not a medical professional of any kind.

    What I will suggest, with the caveat that you inquire with a medical professional is work with the simple chromatic scale through however many times you are comfortable with every day. It should help with finger dexterity and strength of your fingers.

    Again, I am not a med pro… You probably should really be talking to a PT about it.

    I sure do hope you make a complete recovery fast.

    • AttyTJ

      Member
      May 14, 2021 at 8:04 am

      good thoughts, thanks @Alfred

  • jumpinjeff

    Member
    May 14, 2021 at 7:53 am

    @AttyTJ , I have this as well, mine is early stages and comes and goes. Mostly comes when I am playing and goes when I stop. I do two stretches that help me. With my elbow bent (forearm against bicep) palm down (keep hand flat) so my arm looks like a duck head I gently press on my hand rotating it externally gently stretching. Then do the opposite rotation. keep hand flat and rotate all the way back internally so with palm down my fingers point at my shoulder nearly touching it and gently stretch by gently pushing the internal rotation. Lastly elbow bent palm up fingers splayed (keep splaying as you stretch), I gently stretch (extension) both ring finger and pinky simultaneously feeling the stretch in my fingers, that outside edge of my palm and forearm. Think of silly putty as you do this: stretch too fast and it snaps but stretch gently and slowly and you will be amazed how flexible you can be.

    • AttyTJ

      Member
      May 14, 2021 at 8:05 am

      Thanks @jumpin’jeff, very useful, and part of my daily routine, now. Seemed to be of some instant help in the feeling (not the speed, yet).

      • jumpinjeff

        Member
        May 14, 2021 at 8:50 am

        👍😄

  • Loraine

    Member
    May 14, 2021 at 11:08 am

    I’m sorry you’re having to experience that T.J. That has to be scary and frustrating. I have some neuropathy, and I find my fingers spasm or freeze (similar t o being locked), and I have a hesitation of the fingers as well. Hopefully you’re going through some physical therapy for stretching and strength. I like Jeff’s suggestions, and I might try those stretches too. Hang in there and remember these things take time to work through.

    • jumpinjeff

      Member
      May 15, 2021 at 7:47 am

      I want to iterate that it is more than the stretching exercise itself it is how you stretch. These exercises are geared for releasing tension not creating tension so if you feel the stretch you may have gone too fast. The onset of the exercise is to move to the point when you feel the muscle starting the stretching fase. At that point wait until you can feel it release and then stretch a micron more and wait again for the release. It is a different concept from the athletic type stretching I do for sore muscles etc. That type of stretching I stretch to feel the stretch. This stretching focuses on feeling the release. Apologies for redundancy but so important it bears repeating.

  • GLAC

    Member
    May 21, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    Four years ago I was involved in a very severe auto accident. In it I damaged the nerve coming thru my left elbow, leaving my left hand pinky and ring finger feeling as though they are ‘asleep’ on their lower sides. It had been a real challenge in my daily job as I must do a lot of work on a keyboard. Out of my exasperation, I accidentally stumbled upon stretching, as outlined by Jumpinjeff’s suggestions. By his description it’s clear he has taken it to ‘another level’ and I plan on following the routine of which he spoke. Even the limited stretching exercises I’ve done have helped me a great deal. Largely, however, I have simply persevered through the numbness and focused on working the fingers harder than the others. When I play the speed challenges or scales I concentrate on the pinky and ring finger by playing them slowly and absolutely perfectly, while gradually building up speed on just those two digits. I continue until I am satisfied. They still are not 100% but my speed and strength is getting noticeably better. On an unrelated note, I have not yet explored acupuncture but, know several people who have benefited from such therapies involving similar issues. Hang in there and don’t get discouraged.

    • AttyTJ

      Member
      May 22, 2021 at 4:21 pm

      Thank you @GLAC , I too have started that process, but admit I am not as good at it as @jumpinjeff describes, yet.

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