Hello,
I have arthritis in my left wrist (fretting hand). Barre chords are quite painful as are many chords toward the headstock. I need surgery probably sooner than later if I am to continue learning. Has anyone had a partial wrist fusion? I know some flexibility will be lost but I curious to know if it will ruin things for me. Thanks.
First, welcome to the community, Dennis.
Secondly, apologies, I can’t answer your question as I haven’t had the op you mention.
However I do have a restricted range of motion in my fretting hand wrist, having had a fracture repaired with a metal plate. It hasn’t affected my playing much, apart from having to hold the guitar with the neck much more upright than previously, and a need to take more frequent rests.
I’ll be interested to find out how you get on, because I was told by my surgeon that I now have an increased risk of developing arthritis in that joint.
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Thank you! I’m holding off as long as I possibly can on the surgery but it’s good to know that you are able to play with some adjustments.
Have you considered acupuncture ? Taking cod liver oil, olive oil daily ?
I have only recently started playing but many years ago broke a finger on my right hand which can get quite stiff at times, especially in colder weather. Since starting to learn (3 months ago) I have found taking olive oil (2 tablespoons) in the morning has helped with the mobility in the finger, and generally in my whole body. You have to get the good stuff with high polyphenols (search for November olive oil).
In terms of acupuncture, I had tennis elbow a couple of years ago which got to a point where gripping anything with my right hand sent a hot shooting pain throughout my arm and I would have to put down quickly whatever I was carrying. It took about 6 sessions (one per week) of acupuncture for it to completely go. Having a series of treatments to get you to a comfortable point and then continue with monthly or bi monthly sessions to limit the symptoms may just help to relieve your pain and avoid having surgery.
About a year ago when trying to progress past the F barre chord onto other barres I overdid it and damaged my wrist. I have arthritis in my fingers for sure, I don’t think it’s arthritis in my wrist, but it’s painful and I took the decision to rest the wrist and it put an end to learning any more barre chords.
Now, here’s the good news. I haven’t stopped playing guitar or learning. I switched to mainly using a Classical guitar and learning to read music (bear with me if you have no interest in Classical guitar, I’m getting to my point). A few weeks ago, I decided that I didn’t want to lose my finger hardness by not playing my acoustic so have been learning a new song on the acoustic (still using Classical skills). My wrist got worse again.
The difference? In Classical guitar you use a foot stool under your left foot (if you fret with your left hand), rest the guitar on your left leg and point the neck up at an angle towards you shoulder. This has the effect of keeping your wrist much straighter than an acoustic (or electric) guitar on the right knee. If you change the position of your guitar you should be fine. Use a strap if necessary. If you find barres too difficult at first, try learning a new skill whilst it heals. Good luck!
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I agree!
There may be several components to wrist pain (or other pains playing guitar). Arthritis being one of them.
But technique and poster are very impactful and are much more easily manipulated than one’s degree of arthritis.
I don’t think even someone with arthritis should have to deal with pain, or, in most cases, have to give up on barre cords.
I play a lot on classical guitar, but also play steel string. I hold both in the classical position using a Woodside and Murata guitar lift on the left leg.
This helps not only my wrist but both shoulders and my back (footstools are notorious for causing back problems, be careful).
So my takeaway is that if you have pain while playing, address your mechanics. You hopefully can minimize the impacts of less controllable conditions like arthritis.
At the risk of hijacking the OP’s thread, I have been thinking of getting a guitar lift but a bit overwhelmed by choice and nowhere local to try them out. Any advice from your experience @Jamolay ?
I do use a foot stool and have since I began playing. I often play my electric as it is easier on the fretting hand. And , yes, mechanics are very important. Unfortunately, I am at a point of pain where I need surgery. Everything you pointed out is solid advice though. Thank you.
Bummer. Unfortunately there is no position or technique that can solve every problem. Best of luck and hopefully a speedy recovery and return to guitar.
Like many things, I do have opinions on this. I will try and start a new thread about lifts when I have time. That will be less of a hijack.
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Thanks for that advice. I have a Martin acoustic & I’ve been heavy into the F bar chord & using my thumb to reach around to the E string & my wrist, hand & fingers are paying for it. I ordered some braces from Amazon to give me some stability. My right wrist is also giving me problems since I fingerpick & no longer rest my little finger … both at the same time. I play for hours on end & feel like I can’t breath if I don’t play everyday! I’m 81, so a few of things are to be expected but not on the same day! This month represents my year of playing again. Maybe I’ll check out the guitar lift.