[bkearns]

Does anyone have pain holding sticks when playing? I was diagnosed with osteo arthritis and after playing for a cetain period of time, my hands really hurt and start to go numb. Does anyone suggest tapping up the hands?

Thanks

[CJDG]

You might want to invest into different sticks. Go to a local drum shop that will let you try Easton's brand of sticks. They are aluminum sticks with a plastic sleeve and tip. But the sticks
have vibration reduction due to the way they are constructed. It might just be enough to reduce
the shock your hands get from normal sticks.

[drum_addict09]

I have severe tenditious in both my wrists and because of this the bones in my wrists all all out of place and my chriropracter advised to tape my wrists by holding my pinkie and thumb together and then taping them. this keeps the tendions in their proper allignment

[CJDG]

Maybe trying something like this? Wrist Tendonitis Tendinitis
I would think that tape would cause too much discomfort.

But still.. you might want to invest time in learning the different sytles of sticking... maybe even try out Moeller's obeservations... Don't shoot me for this guys... but people do call this the Moeller Method...even though he didn't really invent it. Chapin took Moeller's observations and ran with them pretty good... but within the Moeller style of sticking you can use just the pinky as the source holding the sticks.

See which type of sticking causes less irritation. And the obvious, employ some form of warm up and cool down to your playing. I hope things get better for ya.

[Sean Francis]

I find that some gentle wrist stretches help to ease the strain a little bit before playing, in between songs, and after playing. The repetitive motion is a big part of where the strain comes from; also, try sleeping in wrist braces for a while. I used to have really bad wrist problems, so the doctor advised me to start sleeping in wrist braces and things have gotten much better.

As for sticks, I've heard that the Eastman sticks mentioned above are good, and Zildjian makes an Anti-vibe stick, if you prefer the natural feel of wood, that employs a rubber core to stop most of the shock from absorbing into your hands/wrists.

Good luck!

	Zildjian Cymbals Shop for Zildjian Cymbals at Musician's Friend

[juan (the ping-pong ref.)]

Look for larger diameter sticks. those should be easier on your hands.

[slingerland]

To BKEARNS I know what your going through because I have OsteoArthritis you need to see a doctor and then you need to go for physical therapy.What you will probably be treated with is a hot parafin bath it feels great. Unfortunately ARTHRITIS doesn't go away Osteo Travels through the body if you don't live in a warm climate you might get ready to move I'm not kidding.I'm lucky I don't have arthritis in either hands because I've kept them excercised for over 42 years playing drums but I've had some different issues with one hand.In the meantime if you want to play and need some help go to this site Triplet Drum Glove
these gloves are not like gloves you see in music stores they are completely different when you go to the site you'll see the difference.you can also order them from drumbum.com they are fantastic and really work. I would like you to keep in touch maybe I can help you out let me know where you live. SLINGERLAND

[rycherocker]

OHHHH, we have hit a sore spot here. lol..
Seriously. I know what your all going through. I am in the same boat. I hate waking up in the morning after te "painful" gig, and having your hands slammed shut on you. Also having to pry them open with the counter top near the bed.
Well.... hers a new one. I recently tore some tendons in my thumb (right hand mind you) and I have a cast on that goes 3/4 up the arm. YES... I still play out every other night. I did it the first night and thought my arm was gonna fall off. The muscles I awakened that night are forever awake now... and when the cast comes off, I plan to fully utilize the new muscle tone I have found!
I have worked through bleeding blisters with the rubbing of the cast on my palm, and let me tell you... this aint pretty!!
The Doc saw it on the first cast change, and they took pic's for the record of what they say..."Not to do, when you have on a cast!" Well... call me stupid... but bills have to be paid!!

[Tainojim]

Mr. bkearns, all of these drummers above have really good suggestions.
Please, see a doctor before it gets any worse. We wouldn't want to loose a drummer. Also ask your doctor to refer you to a pain management doctor and get an MRI done on your hands. An x-ray alone will not show if you that's the only problem.

I would also suggest that you soak your hands in Epsom salts and warm water, and get some Tiger's Balm (An old Chinese balm) found in most local drug stores and wear cotton gloves for a couple of hours so as to make the balm seep in for pain relief.

All persons tend to sleep with their wrists folded inwards. Get some Carpal Sleep Wrist Supports to prevent your wrist from folding overnight. They can be found at your local surgical supply store. This is what they look like:

Carpal Sleep Wrist Support


Slingerland Great find on those gloves.
CJDG, great find on the web.

Great advise from all of you drummers.