I started getting my thumb locking up. I thing from over use and bad posture while playing Barr chords. Not sure but I will be seeing doctor soon cause I can’t really move me thumb and it will lock in a certain position and when I bend it back it’s a loud click and very sore pain. Has anyone had this problem ?
never run into lock-ups but learning barre chords can be painful on the thumbs.
I suspect you are applying too much pressure, as a reflex. It’s possible that you are applying too much pressure because you hear chords are buzzing.
As said, it could be bad posture.
Fun exercise is playing barre chords without touching the neck with the thumb…
No not learning Barr chords. I have my Barr chords down . But I have been playing a lot of songs with all Barr chords lately and I think it caused trigger finger. The noise I am talking about is my ligaments snapping in my hand when I force my thumb back into place.
Relax from playing a bit Jeff dont make it worse or do more damage I am sure you know that I have had it happen to me on occasions but from using hand tools, it takes rest to heal it but get it checked mate cheers HEC
My wife had it on her right hand. It required surgery on the tendon(s), but it has been good since. She had it on her right side and had a shot to see if that would work. It hasn’t very well, so she has an appointment lined up to talk surgery.
Ok so I went to hand orthopedic doctor today he gave me shots in hand and said I am ok to play guitar . That I should be better in few days and if it doesn’t we can proceed with surgery in 6 to 8 months. Thanks All for the help.
Fingers crossed (no pun intended!) that the shots help!
Glad you found some possable relief. Just some tips in case you have not had cortisone shots. Dont use your thumb a lot for the rest of today so you let that medicine localize really well into the tendons tissue there in your thumb. The longer the medication remains in that local area during the first 8 to 12 hours after your injection the longer it will last over the next 4 to 6 months. If you use that articulating joint a lot it will diffuse out faster and the overall efficacy of the therapy will be decreased.
I have been getting those injections in my shoulders for about 15 years and hip since I was in my 30s.
Also just an FYI. You physician probobly told you. But long term use of cortisone can decrease the strength of local tendons, so becareful doing any heavy duty grip work or lifting that involves that direct tendon. Time creeps up and you dont want a tendon blow out. This happened to me recently and solutions are limited after years of cortisone and friable tissue. There is no doubt it is a wonderful thing and I would not turn it down.
Yup got the shot and doc said rest it for day or two then go at it and if it doesn’t work he will do surgery on it