DRUMMER CAFE

Just wondering if anybody has dealt with hip pain (particularly in the right hip) due to or during drumming.  I've recently felt a hint of soreness just inside the right hip socket when playing a lot of drums or on damp days.

I've got bad hips in my family, but was wondering if drumming can exacerbate this, or if there are seat heights/posture issues that I could address to prevent or at least delay my body from failing me as a drummer at a relatively young age (30).

The pain is low, and rare, but I'm just looking for some pointers to nip this in the bud.

that's usually when i get hit with pain, mostly in my knee.


assuming you don't have arthritis [and maybe even if you do], hip flexor stretches and side leg lifts [w/ankle weights] help a lot. the stretches are too complicated to get into [i have a busted hand & can't type fast], but basically you sit in indian style then extend one leg all the way down, so that one leg is still in indian style position & being stretched. only take it as far as you can; it takes a while for guys to get flexible in the hips. also can lie down, arms spread out, bend heel to knee, and lean bent leg over you, so you feel stretch in your hip & glutes. both these can help hip as well as lower back tightness.

but check with yer doc or yoga guru first!

Posture may have a part in it. The only thing I would say it make sure that you drum throne is solid and not moving, wobbly or swiveling. I had hip pain back when my throne was wobbly. Its not a good way to play, there's no foundation. Now I have a Gibraltor with a back rest. SOLID!

Thanks for all the feedback, guys.  I've started doing some hip-flexor type exercises, and since winter is finally over here in Wisconsin, I've started biking.  My muscles are sore due to winter atrophy (I know cold weather is no excuse to be lazy, but I sometimes am!), however I look forward to improvement and relief.

Besides the throne in general, the placement of your drums and cymbals, especially the HiHat stand, can be a real problem. If you haven't done so, you might want to have a look at my 5-Minute Lesson, Ergonomic HiHat Placement, and see if there's something there that you can use in your approach to help with the hips.