Whether non-musicians know it or not… playing an instrument is difficult!  It’s not just hard to learn, but it can be taxing to our health.  Playing in the same hand position for four hours straight can be extremely taxing on our tendons and nerves.  Most of the time, we really can’t stop ourselves from getting carpal tunnel or tendonitis.  However, we can help ease the pain. Here are a few things I do to ease my carpal tunnel pain.

1: Wear a Brace

I play my bass for quite a few hours every day, but when I’m not playing, I’m wearing a brace.  The brace keeps my wrist completely still and gives it time to heal.  I wear my brace when I sleep and when I’m home.  The relief it has given me is incredible.  I can’t go anywhere without my brace.

2: Stretch 

People look at me like I’m ridiculous when I’m on stage pulling on my hand, but too bad.  Right before I play and right after, I stretch out my wrists.  I keep my arm straight, with my palm out at a 90 degree angle with my arm, and I pull back on my hand.  I usually hold the stretch for a few seconds and repeat the step a few times.  I do this with both hands.  I, also, do some hands circles.  With my arm straight, I simply move my wrist in circles.  Both exercises have helped me greatly.

3: Adjust Sleeping Position

When I sleep, I tend to lay on my wrists and keep my hands in fists.  Two things that I have changed.  Keeping your arms and fingers as straight as possible helps wonders.  This helps something with the stretch-ability of your tendons (Clearly I know ALL the medical terms).  So, when you sleep keep your arms and fingers straight.

These are just a few things I do to relieve some of the pain from my carpal tunnel. However, if the situation gets out of control, surgery may be needed.  If you have carpal tunnel, keep an eye on it.  If you don’t, keep an eye on your wrists now to help prevent getting it.