Classical Guitar Wrist Pain! I Want To Play Professionally All My Life

by Diana
(Canada )

Hello, my name is Diana. I am a young, classical guitarist, and guitar is not just a hobby for me, but a lifestyle. I noticed for the past couple of weeks that I sometimes get pain in my right hand while playing. (This sometimes occurs in my right hand when I play piano as well, and hurts in the same place.)

The pain is mostly in my 4th and 5th fingers (Ring and Pinky finger) and the pain seems to go all the way up close to my elbow, following those tendons, I think. It hurts kind of to type with those fingers at the moment.

My guitar teacher is working with me to prevent the pain, and possibly serious damage, if I am not careful. But I am doing everything right, and my wrist position is very straight, and my back and shoulders are very correct. So I just don't know how to think about all of this, because I want to be able to play professionally for the rest of my life.


The symptoms have only began to occur just recently (a couple of months or so..) .. but the pain increases, even when I've rested for hours, or days even.. and I come back to playing again, it hurts very mildly. I am VERY frightened of not being able to play guitar, or piano.

I've been reading lots that you have suggested, and I hope to purchase your book for further help.

Do you think it is possible for me to reverse this? Even if it takes months.. hearing that there is hope to still follow my dreams would be nice.. :/

Does massaging where there is pain help anything? I have been icing my arm very frequently also.. Is there anything at all that you suggest I do?

Thank you soo much for the help, I REALLy appreciate it.



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Joshua Answers:


Hello Diana.

1. The good news is, proper ergonomics helps, but is neither a fix nor a cure. See my New Ergonomics page.

Even though you're doing everything right -now-, you haven't been, and it's been adding up over time, your body's been compensating as best it can, but now it's losing.

That's just how the Tendonitis dynamic works.


2. Yes, your pain and symptoms are totally reversible. It does take some time and work and paying attention and learning. The trick is, finding the RIGHT way of going about it.

There are also several factors to take into account.

It's good that you're concerned. Let's hope that's a strong motivator for you.


3. If you want to play professionally for the rest of your life, one skill to master is 'taking care of your body'.


4. Yes, massaging where there is pain helps, from finger to elbow. Yes, Icing and ice massage helps.

I do suggest that you get Reversing Guitar Tendonitis. You don't want suggestions, you don't want some tips, you want a complete plan that covers all the factors and is a clear pathway to 'getting better'. Suggestions and tips aren't likely to get you where you want to be.

Classical Guitar Right Hand Pain Radiating Pain

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Joshua Tucker, B.A., C.M.T.
The Tendonitis Expert
www.TendonitisExpert.com