[Worship] RE: First-aid for guitar finger

["Harrell, Roger" <rjharrel@bechtel.com>]

Whether or not to immobilize your finger depends on the type of joint
injury. If you have a torn ligament or tendon then you do NOT want to
immobilize it because it will heal in that position and there is a chance
you'd never bend it again. There are certain types of sprains/strains that
you would want to immobilize. Icing it is a good idea. Ice it for about 15
minutes a day. In most cases you want to keep range of motion with little or
no resistance. Do not force range of motion if the finger does not want to
go there. Just work it to the point where it is tender. 

Playing guitar really is a bad idea. Especially since it is your fingering
hand. There is far to much force on the joints during playing than should be
applied on a jammed/sprained/strained finger. A lot of those forces are also
counter to the normal bending of the join which can cause further damage. I
strongly advise laying off any playing in which you are using that finger.
(Yes I know that's pretty much everything). The reason it loosened up during
the practice is the increased blood flow that comes with utilizing the hand,
which is a good thing for healing, but the strain involved with fingering
chords is not a good thing (which is why you had the next day pain). I know
you want to continue playing guitar through the injury, but if you'd like to
have a long career of playing guitar you have to deal with the injury
wisely. Ignoring the injury is a good way to cause permanent damage. 

Basic concept on dealing with a joint injury. Keep good blood flow to the
area (ice and zero strain exercise). Don't do anything that causes increased
pain in the area. God gave us pain for this reason. Two common mistakes that
are made with injuries are doing nothing until it heals (this slows your
metabolism and blood flow so actually slows healing), and doing things that
aggravate the injury (this doesn't allow the injury to heal potentially
leading to improper healing and permanent effects).

Now for the disclaimer. I am not a doctor, but I have been doing gymnastics
for 15 years and that lovely event called pommel horse has given me a few
significant finger joint injuries. Yes,I had to lay off some of the
instruments that required finger strain. I thought about taking this off
list but thought there are a lot of instrumentalists on this list that have
been in this situation, or will be at some point. Hope this helps. 

Roger Harrell
VP/CTO AudibleFaith.com
Music with Meaning
*******************************************************************
Looking for praise and worship music?  Visit our list sponsor at:
                   http://www.worshipmusic.com

Need help with your subscription? Contact worship-help@praise.net
*******************************************************************