Tony’s stretching course

[jumpinjeff]

@Marquita , the course is located in the “skills” section in the subcategory “Guitar Techniques”. I was just thinking about this myself. I have settled into my own routine over the years and wanted to compare what I do to what Tony found works. My curiosity was piqued by a forum discussion Atty TJ started. Have fun.

[Marquita]

Thank you so much, @Jumpin’ Jeff~ my hands 🙌and forearms are screaming mad at me… I need to give them some TLC…so I can play comfortably…🎸

[jumpinjeff]

I have to mention another thing my physical therapist introduce me to: Theragun. It is a great tool for helping to relieve tension in hands and forearms.

[Marquita]

I hadn’t thought of that… I use mine for larger muscle groups but at a lower velocity should be able to work on forearms and maybe thenar muscle at the base of the thumb. I’ll surely give it a try. Thanks!

[jumpinjeff]

I don’t use the rubber heads on my hand, I use the foam head. The rubber heads were too jarring for my hand.

[Marquita]

I agree. Mine has 5 heads and the smallest, softest head helps more. I think I’m about 60% better after using it. I plan to heal fast with the twice daily stretch routine plus my thera-gun to loosen tighter biceps/triceps. and the smaller, soft head to loosen the smaller muscles around the wrist and hand. Even helped on the medial and lateral sides of my fingers… I am so grateful, @jumpinjeff, that you took the time to mention it to me… it’s working…🤗🖐

[Loraine]

Are you working on something special to entertain us with @marquita??!! I hope so!

[Marquita]

Ah, @Loraine, Unfortunately I am on the injured list at the moment. Yes, I am trying to play but have to learn to make chords without using the middle finger of my fretting hand until I get clearance from my doctor. I can’t get an appointment for a while and a phone visit will simply not do for this situation. I’m not going to give up.
I just can’t spend the time I was, to work through a song to present. I can only do what I can do without causing more damage. My practice plan has been altered by this but not stopped. I cannot change chords quickly or if it’s a scale – my middle finger gets overused. I have to be patient – I aware I’m older, and Arthritis is a part of life – but it won’t define me. I just have to do my due diligence and be mindful of how I use my upper body down to my fingers. It’s so true that it all connects and impacts other parts. I try to keep maintain good posture and body mechanics to avoid flareups – it’s worth the outcome.🤗 The stretching helps a ton! Take care and hope to see you at the VOMs.

[Loraine]

You must be frustrated, which is understandable, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I’d never heard of a Theragun before. Looks interesting. Glad the stretches are helping.

[Marquita]

No, I think I’m too old to be frustrated about almost anything…BUT: I remembered how this started: opening a jug of juice over a week ago. I didn’t put 2 and 2 together until I tried to open a jar of Spaghetti sauce tonight and the light bulb went off. The pain was in the same places I’ve noted when playing. I’ll keep working at it @Loraine! I hope to sit in at least for the FNL. We’ll see how it goes. Maybe with a little more rest and stretches, things will calm down enough to play soon.

[jumpinjeff]

Small win turned huge. Glad you are making fast progress @Marquita !!!

[Marquita]

I agree. Mine has 5 heads and the smallest, softest head helps more. I think I’m about 60% better after using it. I plan to heal fast with the twice daily stretch routine plus my thera-gun to loosen tighter biceps/triceps. and the smaller, soft head to loosen the smaller muscles around the wrist and hand. Even helped on the medial and lateral sides of my fingers… I am so grateful, @jumpinjeff, that you took the time to mention it to me… it’s working…🤗🖐