Musician.....repost

FelixWillows

I have arthritis around the first joint of my index finger.
This is a new development for me.

I am 64 years old and am a professional drummer. I’ve read various thoughts regarding exercising the area involved but I am wondering if by playing my instrument I am likely to aggravate the condition.

The drumstick is held at a fulcrum point provided by the joint of the index finger and the thumb. Good technique requires that the stick is allowed to rebound upon impact with the drum but there is still a fair amount of ‘jarring’ involved.

I don’t intend to stop playing my instrument but I am wondering what the long term…or short term effect may be. At the moment I would describe playing as being very uncomfortable.

Thank you for any advice.

FW.







stickywicket Post subject: Re: Working Musician Posted: 07 Mar 2013 16:59




Joined: 21 Oct 2010 16:03 Hello FW. It's good to meet you though I'm sorry you had to find us.

I can see that drumming and arthritis (I presume osteo?) would not be easy companions. I can also see that you'll want to continue with the drumming. As a general rule anything very repetitive isn't a good idea for arthritic joints but, if you're in the early stages, there might be ways round it.

We're not medically qualified to give advice and I think your best bet would be a physiotherapist. Your GP might be willing to refer you but, if not, in your situation, as this is your livelihood, I'd go privately and I'd ensure it was one who specialised in musculo-skeletal problems. (Yellow Pages usually gives some indication.) What's often required is some exercises that will strengthen the muscles as strong muscles support the joints and so help to keep them in good nick. You might feel yours should be strong to start with but, with repetitive actions it can be the opposite muscles that need working on. Arthritis Care has a booklet on 'Exercise' ('Publications & Resources' grey tab at the top right of the page) but you might need something more specialised.

You'll probably get more replies if you copy this thread to the Living With Arthritis forum as more people look in there. I hope it works out well for you.

stickywicket

I'm glad you made it over to LWA. I hope some people will be able to help.

villier

Hi FW

Welcome to the forum pleased to meet you. You are saying you have arthritis in the DIP joint of your index finger, have you had x-rays to confirm this? has the joint got deformed and does it get hot and fiery?
Sorry for asking all these questions, I have recently had a DIP joint fuison on my index finger, when the surgeon operated she discovered there was hardly any cartilage left between the joint hence causing much pain, if this is similar to yourself I can imagine the repeated stress on you finger with the drum stick will be damaging the cartilage, as Sticky Wicket said we are not medics so cannot diagnose, hope this has been of some help if there are any more questions please ask, I'm sure there will be others along with their input....................tc...................Marie x

villier

Sorry FW I meant to ask is it OA you have?