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Mcmaul
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5945 Posts |
 Posted - 31/07/2012 : 18:48:37
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| Eh up chaps, I am in need of some advice, for around six weeks now, I have struggled to use my left forearm for carrying stuff, working, etc. It absolutely kills when I try to make a fist, and even taking hold of a cup of tea or something of equal weigh causes the ache in my muscle (the one that runs off the elbow) I am going to see the doc tommorow, as this has caused me to step down from my job (I usually carry a huge tool bag and a 5 ltr sprayer) I have rested it for three weeks now, but it's no better, and still hurts like hell if I pick anything heavyish up or try and make a fist. Any advice?? I am panicking this could be game over drumming wise. |
Curator of all things Mahogany duroplastic and Black shadow tinged. |
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Captain Bubble
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
14610 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 19:14:23
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| Nasty. Could be some sort of RSI or tendonitis, but definitely keep resting it and good luck at Doc's tomorrow |
Marcus de Mowbray
www.330studios.co.uk/marcus |
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FenTiger
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5556 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 19:28:10
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| It sounds like it could be tennis elbow mate. I paid an osteopath to to sort mine out. The treatment consisted of sticking needles in my arm and attacking me with a gadget which made my hand wave around without my consent, but it worked. |
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lee haydn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2031 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 19:30:46
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| I don't think it's all over for drums dude, it sounds like something i did when i was renovating my shop in the eigthies, i strained the guider that the tendons run through, (not tendonitis)forgot what they called it, but that sounds like what youv'e acquired, tell me if i'm wrong when you get back from the doc's,, |
Ludwig Maple Classic (Green Sparkle) + L400
Sabian HH and Paiste Stanbul vintage
Pro' Racket |
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Me2.
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
12462 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 19:31:16
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| [Yoda] Damage Light-saber Ligament throbitis. [/Yoda] |
My Tempus
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OriginalAnimal
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
19298 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 19:44:10
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quote:
Originally posted by FenTiger
It sounds like it could be tennis elbow mate. I paid an osteopath to to sort mine out. The treatment consisted of sticking needles in my arm and attacking me with a gadget which made my hand wave around without my consent, but it worked.
I had similar and still do from time to time and it was tennis elbow.
Diclofen work quite well but the doc will have to prescribe them and the same for tendonitis so A&E told me
In the meantime, get a guitarist to provide personal relief, they are used to w4nk1ng  |
I have no time to practice, I'm gigging. Leicester Drum Sniffers Anonymous. #17 of the 582 & 17 0f the 798 World Record Holders.
Jobeky, 2Box Drumit 5, Premier, Highwood/DM drums Paul Brook Snare, Matt Nolan cymbals, Silverstone Drum (seats) Thrones. Los Cabos drumsticks
Re Cycling drums is the future. |
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mully
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
23887 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 19:48:29
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It's tendonitis, Dugworthy, I'd pretty much bet my bottom dollar on that. I've suffered (and still do have occasional bouts) from the same pain exactly where you describe.
Get thysen off to a sports physiotherapist and he/she will sort you out.
(Usual "I'm not a doctor and have no medical qualifications whatsover" disclaimer applies).
About the whole acupuncture/osteopath/chiropractic thing - IN MY OWN OPINION AND MY OWN EXPERIENCE WITH INJURY, it's all bollix and doesn't work. None of it. Acupuncture - bollix IN MY OPINION AND EXPERIENCE. Same for chiropractic and osteopathy. All complete bollix IN MY OPINION. Sports physiotherapy has worked to help and clear up any soft tissue injury I've ever had treatment for. Others' experiences with alternative treatments may differ.
Stephen |
MD Fount of All Wisdom for Life and Extraordinary Amusement Officer of the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
"Jayz mully, you're like the Django of the internet!" - scottser on the Drumming Ireland forum |
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Sharklaar
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1840 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 19:53:39
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| I've had the same thing for about the same time... doc said it's tennis elbow. I've read up online and that looks about right... got a physio appointment in a couple of weeks. Apparently it can last years but more likely 6 months or so if rested and treated. |
http://www.blackhawkdown.org.uk |
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christianmurphy
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
534 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 20:43:34
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I started getting RSI in my left wrist from LOTS of typing and heavy/continuous rim shotting without enough stick bounce. At first I genuinely thought it was game over as after one song, even when playing lightly with great technique, it still gave me enough pain to make me have to stop.
Regular stretching/exercise of the right types, powerball exercise, and slowly easing myself back into it with the right technique sorted me out, and now it takes a very long practice before I get any pain.
Not exactly the same pain as yours, but just a story of, I thought it was all over, but a few months on and some knowledge, and I'm back in action. |
79 Ludwig - Pearl Masters - Istanbul - Zildjian - DW |
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TimSharp
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
469 Posts |
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mully
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
23887 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 22:05:26
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quote:
Originally posted by TimSharp
forget an nhs docs, he'll give you some anti-inflammatory's and tell you to rest it. Go see a private physio....best £40 i ever spent!!
This.
Stephen |
MD Fount of All Wisdom for Life and Extraordinary Amusement Officer of the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
"Jayz mully, you're like the Django of the internet!" - scottser on the Drumming Ireland forum |
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Geoff_fry01
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
608 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 23:04:25
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I have to agree with Tim,
unless your VERY lucky your Doc wont tell you what it is or pass you onto someone who will..
I was going to my doc for over 6 months about pins and needles in my back.. he kept saying rest and nurofen its just a trapped nerve that will go on its own... it was only 6 months later when I pulled my back it turned out I now have a slipped/bulging disc and the pins and needles had been chronic muscle fatigue (prob from drumming and gym) which had caused the pins and needles, weakened my back and made it very susceptible to injury..
Anyway... my point is if you don't feel that the doc's diagnosis is correct.. just pay someone who is specialist in that area..
when is was too late I paid an Osteo, had am MRI and various treatments and a couple of months later am now back to 90% fit.
my doc would still be telling me the same now...
G
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http://www.geoff-fry.com
https://twitter.com/geoff_fry01
http://www.youtube.com/geofffry
@geoff_fry01 |
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Sharklaar
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1840 Posts |
Posted - 31/07/2012 : 23:59:49
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| So is osteopathy actually effective? I always thought it was pretty much pretend medicine? Through my work I can get an hour with either a sports physio or an osteopath for 25 beernotes, I booked the sports dude cause it seemed a bit more real if you like. The osteopath is much more available though and I could probably get a quicker appointment. |
http://www.blackhawkdown.org.uk |
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TimSharp
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
469 Posts |
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Tex
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1582 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 04:18:57
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And while you're waiting there are stretching exercises for drummers on the YTube and take a look in the freezer for any of those ice packs you get now, cover it with a thin cloth and slide it up and down the arm while watching the sports. My physio reckons that it's just as good as ultra sound. She uses those hot pad thingys that stimulate involuntary moves someone mentioned as well.
Fix it before it fixes you. Physio all the way. Osteopathy is for broken bones etc. Latin: Osteo = bone. What you have is tissue injury.
Pharmacists are incredibly underlooked for advice but they have a huge range of knowledge about conditions and who best to get to treat them so that could save you being on the old medical appointment trail for a couple of weeks.
Mate of mine was doing a photo shoot at the side of a Liverpool footy match one time and slipped and broke his ankle diagnosis and treatment in 10seconds from the Reds physio and doctor who heard it go. So your local sports centre or footy team, though a cricket team might be better, might be good for treatment. |
Sitting on top of the mountain isn't the most interesting bit of the climb. Sitting at the bottom aint much fun either. |
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MCMartyP
Advanced Contributer
751 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 07:56:22
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Physiotherapist. They will not only help you get through the problem, but will likely locate where the problem is (not necessarily in your arm) as well.
I had (and still do every so often) serious problems with my arms in general, usually manifesting itself in problems with my left hand. It got to the point a couple of years ago that I couldn't type, write, make coffee, etc., and certainly not being able to play the drums. Like you, I was thinking it was game over for drumming and it scared the hell out of me. Initially my doctor thought it was Carpal Tunnel/RSI because of my job so whisked me off to the hospital to have my nerve responses checked. No problems there. The next port of call was to have an investigative operation at which point I asked to see a physio first before they started considering opening my hands up.
Four once-a-week physio treatments later, the problem was gone. It was actually tensions in my shoulders related to poor posture at my desk (most notably, leaning my elbows on the arm rests agitating hand nerves that pass round the elbow) that was the problem. I have a monthly massage (oh, the hardship) to keep it at bay and so far it has.
Always consider non-invasive treatments first. Doctors aren't always the best to know about this stuff so just use them to get you a referral, if necessary.
Osteopaths and chiropractors may also be of help (I have plenty of experience of the former after a car accident) but, in your instance, I personally would specifically recommend a physiotherapist to look into your condition.
Oh, and much as it pains me to say this, if you can, go private and get it looked at now. Luckily I have private health cover through my employer but, in the end, the four sessions cost about £150 (of which I had to pay a £100 excess!) at the local private hospital. The treatment started within a week of ringing them. Sadly, you could be looking at 3 months+ on the NHS before you're even seen. |
Yamaha 9000, '64 L400/Yamaha 8000/Yamaha brass/Premier XPK/Pearl brass piccolo snares, Zildjian A and A Custom dustbin lids, Pearl Eliminator double pedal, Roc 'n' Soc stool and a total lack of practice. |
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mully
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
23887 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 09:22:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Sharklaar
So is osteopathy actually effective?
See my (very strong) opinion further up ^.
Stephen |
MD Fount of All Wisdom for Life and Extraordinary Amusement Officer of the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
"Jayz mully, you're like the Django of the internet!" - scottser on the Drumming Ireland forum |
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moosetication
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
12063 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 09:25:41
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quote:
Originally posted by MCMartyP
Sadly, you could be looking at 3 months+ on the NHS before you're even seen.
Which is, in no little part, caused by you using the same doctors (who now have no limit on their private earnings while working for the NHS) and who put you before NHS patients. |
"It's just a rest, no need to complicate it with monkeys." - sunshinehead
SITMS #31/582 (B'ham) #31/798 (M'cr) | The Blue Road | Jive Honey |
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MCMartyP
Advanced Contributer
751 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 09:40:25
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quote:
Originally posted by moosetication
quote:
Originally posted by MCMartyP
Sadly, you could be looking at 3 months+ on the NHS before you're even seen.
Which is, in no little part, caused by you using the same doctors (who now have no limit on their private earnings while working for the NHS) and who put you before NHS patients.
Indeed. I do my best to be an NHS supporter but I have no control over how these specialists behave (although the hospital I attended is specifically private and all their employees are non-NHS), especially as my predicament massively limited my ability to do my job, let alone drum. Of course my actions make the whole problem self-fulfilling but it's the way it is and I don't pretend it's either fair or right. But my pain outweighed my ethics and I make no apology for that. Desperate times require desperate measures. And the OP's post suggests similarly. |
Yamaha 9000, '64 L400/Yamaha 8000/Yamaha brass/Premier XPK/Pearl brass piccolo snares, Zildjian A and A Custom dustbin lids, Pearl Eliminator double pedal, Roc 'n' Soc stool and a total lack of practice. |
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Mcmaul
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5945 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 11:01:28
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| Booked in today, chaps, wish me luck. It's been a bugger, cause I'm right handed generally, but play open handed mostly on the kit, the left doing all the hi hat work, etc, so I needs me left paw, he's as good as me right in fact. |
Curator of all things Mahogany duroplastic and Black shadow tinged. |
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mully
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
23887 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 11:39:57
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Booked in for what, mon ami?
Stephen |
MD Fount of All Wisdom for Life and Extraordinary Amusement Officer of the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
"Jayz mully, you're like the Django of the internet!" - scottser on the Drumming Ireland forum |
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Sharklaar
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1840 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 12:19:21
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quote:
Originally posted by mully
quote:
Originally posted by Sharklaar
So is osteopathy actually effective?
See my (very strong) opinion further up ^.
Stephen
Ah yes, missed that. I think the physio was the right decision, even if it did mean waiting longer. It's private rather than NHS and they guy is supposed to be really good, so hopefully should get myself sorted. |
http://www.blackhawkdown.org.uk |
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Geoff_fry01
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
608 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 12:36:12
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I should probably add..
The Osteopath I saw (that def helped me sort my problem) was a sports specialist and his treatment for me was basically diagnosis of the problem (via MRI and physical examination) and for me that was WELL worth the money.
My Osteo also did sports massage which with the Ice/heat treatments and exercises he gave I fixed my issues.
I am sure that there are specialist tendinitis etc. guys around but I think the general consensus here is a doctor has to know a bit about everything and is not a specialist in the forearm.. so find a local guy who's expertise covers tendons, ligaments and muscles poss of sports type and get them to also diagnose the problem...
The advice I got basically let me remedy my problem myself.. It also let me research the area for myself and find more advice...
good Luck
G
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http://www.geoff-fry.com
https://twitter.com/geoff_fry01
http://www.youtube.com/geofffry
@geoff_fry01 |
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Tex
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1582 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 15:03:02
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so find a local guy who's expertise covers tendons, ligaments and muscles poss of sports type and get them to also diagnose the problem...
------------------------------------------------
Tennis club? |
Sitting on top of the mountain isn't the most interesting bit of the climb. Sitting at the bottom aint much fun either. |
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Mcmaul
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
5945 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 22:36:07
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| Physio for me, lads!! |
Curator of all things Mahogany duroplastic and Black shadow tinged. |
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logic_user99
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
10126 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 23:02:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Mcmaul
Physio for me, lads!!
Good on ya, chap. The NHS guy I've been seeing has certainly helped with my back thing. Get on it, take their advice, and rest easy. |
Drums | Cymbals | Sticks
"Starting my professional life from scratch..." |
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paddockinn
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
916 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2012 : 03:23:54
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I have/had Tennis Elbow for a while, and have been using anti-inflammatory drugs, which, to be fair,seem to have worked fine - at least its much better than it was. I also had damaged tendons in my right foot, and that seems to be clearing up, too, at the same time.
Rob |
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jon kelly
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
471 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2012 : 16:10:26
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sounds like carpal tunnel if you cant make a fist mate, the pain will travel up the forearm to the elbow.quote:
Originally posted by Mcmaul
Eh up chaps, I am in need of some advice, for around six weeks now, I have struggled to use my left forearm for carrying stuff, working, etc. It absolutely kills when I try to make a fist, and even taking hold of a cup of tea or something of equal weigh causes the ache in my muscle (the one that runs off the elbow) I am going to see the doc tommorow, as this has caused me to step down from my job (I usually carry a huge tool bag and a 5 ltr sprayer) I have rested it for three weeks now, but it's no better, and still hurts like hell if I pick anything heavyish up or try and make a fist. Any advice?? I am panicking this could be game over drumming wise.
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