Bachi hand thumb tingling

General
#1

Hi all,

Has anyone had any tingling/pins and needles sensation on their bachi hand thumb?

Here is a photo of the specific area
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7mK4jCbatm3dXJ4NUNEdGhnUEU

The story goes, my teacher recommended me to hit Ichi no ito harder than I was doing. So in intensely practicing many hours for my upcoming performance I was playing with a lot of force. Then I got a tingling sensation in my thumb/palm area. This days I play only hard enough to make a good tone and it still sometimes comes around so I take a break.

I saw a physio and he found the spot that aggravates the nerve and recommended common wrist stretches and strengthening exercises and to take a break from playing (The hardest part to accept lol). Anne’s stretch and strengthening exercises should be helpful and I will keep that up.

Has anyone experienced this situation and has anyone been successful at recovering and being able to continue to practice lots and be comfortable?

I’m looking for some direction and inspiration. Cheers.

#2

I have exactly the same issue myself- although mine comes from guitar playing and other instrument playing. It is the result of repetitive motion and stress. The only cure for me has been lots of stretching- like yoga stretches- and avoiding anything that puts stress on the arms and hands- and REST, until the symptoms go away. PS- we’re working here on some more English adaptations of Japanese Pop tunes- Later, Neil Slade

#3

Please note, too much immediate stretching will also aggravate the condition, so go slow.

#4

Thanks for this information, so are you at the stage where you are fully recovered and you can play and not get these sensations? or even after a long period of rest (how long has worked for you?) and stretching does it happen again every time after a lot of guitar playing?

I took a break for around 3 weeks and I could come back and play comfortably for a bit and now training more intensely/more regularly for a performance this weekend and it’s coming back again so your advice on the rest period and result will be useful.

Thanks,

#5

Hi Alex!

I’ve had the same issue as well. I figured it was carpel tunnel-like symptoms from the repetitive motion compounded from doing lots of computer work. I’ve just rested for a few minutes, play a bit more, rest a bit, and repeat. That seemed to work for me. Especially when playing intense tsugaru pieces, I rest in between songs.

#6

It’s a reoccurring problem that is aggravated by physical use- for me, it’s bicycle repairs or anything that requires heavy use of my arms and hands. Sometimes its worse, sometimes it’s better. The main thing for me is to avoid stressing my arms and hands with heavy labor. It hasn’t stopped me from playing instruments, it’s just inconvenient and annoying. I can play without symptoms, as long as I haven’t overdone things.

#7

It probably is related to carpel tunnel- and yes- just using a computer mouse for too long will make the symptoms occur. For me, that’s a big one, because I do a lot of computer work and music editing.

#8

Thanks Kyle and Neil.

Kyle I’m pleased to hear this from you, as you have played for many years and to hear this problem is the same for you and it hasn’t stopped you completely from continuing to play is great to hear for my future shamisen performances etc.

Neil, Yes true I can get it too from a lot of extended computer mouse use, I’m sure anybody can get it, without taking frequent breaks/stretching.

I intend to go to a different physio and ask for opinions, I’m sure there is a way to overcome this annoying thing physically. Much like how your finger’s skin toughens over time with sliding on Ichi no ito, I would think it should be possible to overcome with a solid stretching/rest/strengthening system. In karate we do lots of sit ups and that also helps resist a would be painful punch to the stomach so why not strengthen the muscles around the palm to protect it from the force of the bachi hitting the dou. That’s my plan :slight_smile:

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