DRUMMER CAFE

Jason,

I'm not a doctor, not a therapist, not a chiropractor - in other words, I have no background in the field, so please don't consider this "medical advice." ÊAll I'll offer is my perspective as a player/teacher:

1) ÊThe idea of looking for a "quick fix" for an injured wrist (and yes, I understand and sympathize with your situation, facing a gig this evening) scares the living hell out of me as a player. ÊI'd be leery of running to meds as a solution - you may end up only treating the symptom (pain/discomfort), while not only not solving the original problem, but causing other problems as a result. Ê(Pain is the body's way of telling you that something's not right - and if you only eliminate the sensation of pain, you could be doing something horrible to your wrist without realizing it.)

2) ÊIf you're in a colder climate tonite, let your hands warm up after getting inside, before you start doing any playing - don't necessarily apply heat to the wrist, just let them get to room temperature. Ê("And wear your gloves! ÊAnd a nice warm hat!" - to quote moms everywhere.)

3) ÊSTRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH! ÊStretch the muscles and joints in your wrists and hands before playing, and stretch them AFTER playing - not only is it important to "warm up" before playing, you have to "warm down" as well - let your muscles and tendons gradually make the transition from intense activity to inactivity. ÊNote how marathon runners don't just stop when they finish a race - they walk around for a minute or two at least, to allow their bodies to make a similar transition. ÊWarm down at the end of each set, and stretch again before starting the set. ÊEasy, gentle stretching - I've seen the way some drummers "stretch" before playing and it looks like they're getting fired up for an Ultimate Fighting match...

4) ÊIf you can find time during sets, take a moment to put down the sticks (at least, the stick for the hand in question), and just let it relax. ÊIf the tunes your band is doing allow you a few moments here and there (rubato guitar intro, band leader chatting it up with the audience, etc.), all the better.

Good luck - take it easy, and have a good gig.

JW

   I broke my wrist about 20 years ago and when it flares up I have found Mineral Ice helps to sooth the imflamation without masking any pain that would signal you to give it a rest.  That and doing all the things James mentioned.

Thanks everyone!

I made sure to stretch before we started, at the breaks and when I could in between.  I also took a couple of Motrin before we started.   I also adjusted my grip by turning my wrist a bit and playing with more of a French grip (I think that's the name I read) so I had more of a back-and-forth motion instead of a wrist-twisting motion when I played.

I got through the evening just fine, but I was a little sore the next day.  Some more stretching and shorter practice periods seems to be working out the kinks.

JB