[Alan Starkie]

Hi everyone.

I've already PM'd Boydie re this subject but I'm throwing it out there to everyone:

I've been a musician for twenty odd years and have the scars to prove it (slight tinnitus, both wrists strapped at various points etc).

I've got something called 'frozen shoulder' now. I've had it before but it went over time. It's returned with a vengeance lately and is extremely painful.

Has anyone else had/got it and how did you sort it?

Clutching at straws,

Alan.

[Boydie]

Hey Alan

Got the PM but couldn't reply on my work account

I have been there with all of those symptoms!

Tinnitus - BY FAR the best investment I have made is custom ear moulds for in-ear monitoring. You can get specialised custom monitoring (£300+) or custom moulded "tips" for existing ear phones (around £100 and worth every penney - not just for hearing protection but comfort and sound quality - they sound great with MP3 players and I have used them in the studio for recording)

My biggest worry with extensive guitar playing/teaching has been early arthritis - no symptoms yet but I know many "old" guitarists that suffer - something to look forward to!

I have always used a Strat so can happily playing standing up for 4hours+

Recently I got a 90s Les Paul - heavy as ***** - and you know you have been playing with it afterwards!

As for ANY injury I would say to get yourself to a "sports injury" clinic for a full diagnosis and treatment

These injuries rarely get better without proper medical treatment - especially if you carry on doing what caused them (which we all do!)

[flossie]

Hi Alan,

My dad (not a guitarist) had this and since he had a shot of steroid into the shoulder he is so much better, in fact I don't hear him complain about it anymore and before he had the injection we definitely all knew about it 

My fingers get stiff and sore  in the cold particularly one which got shut (and I mean shut) in a car door (I nearly threw up with the pain!!!)  I really hope they don't seize up or I will be devastated!

You could try acupuncture too, that can be effective, may take a few sessions though.  The jab, however seemed to have a pretty much immediate effect ....

Good luck

[Alan Starkie]

Thanks guys,

I was offered injections in my wrist but it improved so I didn't go for that. Also the consultant told me that there's a limit to how many you can have in one place.

I've had physio before on the same shoulder and it did improve.

Trying to find a magic cure here I suppose...

Cheers.

[Boydie]

If the medical experts can't help I am not sure a motley crew of songwriters are going to be much use 

Seriously though, glad you are getting this checked properlyas it is so easy to just soldier on and do more damage

Another thing that may be worth a try is holding the guitar differently when you teach - eg rest it on the other leg or go for a "classical" position with a small foot stall and the guitar between your legs (oo er)

Changing up the posture between each lesson would ensure you are in different positions and working different muscle groups

Do you have to have a guitar on your lap whilst teaching? Perhaps schedule some "theory lessons" throughout the day to allow you to literally "sit back" and relax

[Alan Starkie]

I changed my posture when i started getting shoulder problems the first time and it worked.

Without realising I'd started to raise my left shoulder all the time when playing/teaching!?

I've played a LP for the past 15 years so I'm well used to the weight now too.

I'm quite animated and like to enthuse my pupils so sitting still isn't really something I do when I'm teaching lol

I'll just take more care for a while I think.

[Boydie]

I'm quite animated and like to enthuse my pupils so sitting still isn't really something I do when I'm teaching lol

Are talking about teaching a class or 1:1 tuition?

You seem to imply that you can't enthuse pupils by sitting down?

I would disagree with this assumption - every situation is different and it may suit your particular situation to stand up and be animated but people respond differently to different approaches

There are definitely some advantages to sitting down with someone whilst teaching so it could be good for your body/health to mix things up a little

I've played a LP for the past 15 years so I'm well used to the weight now too

Being "used to the weight" is something completely different to the weight causing you damage!

You were probably "used" to the loud noise a band made - how is the ringing in the ears? 

(I can say this as I am in exactly the same boat!!!! - oh to be young again!!!)

I wouldn't dream of telling you how to teach but what you are currently doing appears to be affecting your health so something needs to change??

Doing the same thing and expecting a different result is a sign of madness you know 

As long as the ringing in your ears doesn't turn in to voices I think you will be fine though!!!

[Alan Starkie]

I teach groups and individuals.

I've been teaching 15 years now. I know what I'm doing.

I don't jump up and down but I still want to get the most from my students. I've never been a 'sit back and take the money' type teacher.

[flossie]

I've been teaching 15 years now. I know what I'm doing.

Don't think Boydie was trying to suggest to you you don't 


x

[Alan Starkie]

I know flossie. Boydie's really helpful :-)