Top 4 Tips for Guitarists to Prevent Guitar Related Injuries (For ALL Instrumentalists)

[@healinghandstherapycenter8161]

Michelle, thank you so much for having me....I love talking all things music and injury prevention/recovery!

[@VirtualHandCare]

You are welcome Heather! Everyone Heather is such a valuable resource. She can help you staying healthy and pain free. Go check her out at @healinghandstherapycenter. And virtualhandtherapist.com/therapists/heather-mogielnicki/

[@aaaaa.p]

1. Adjust your instrument to YOUR proportions. Find the best position for your body and what works best for you. *Guitar tip: your thumb is meant to slide down the neck, not to stabilize your instrument. Don’t over-extend it or add too much pressure! 2. Counteract the direction + position you usually play in by taking breaks (every 30-40 min) to stretch and strengthen the opposite side of your body. (For most guitarists this would be your right side, since you’re facing left all the time.) 3. Stabilize and balance your body (especially your shoulders) so that you don’t overcompensate with your thumb and forearm. *Tip: keep a paper’s width between the instrument and your forearm so that you’re just gliding on it instead of adding pressure. 4. Look forward instead of down at your instrument when playing, so you don’t strain your neck. You can keep a post-it as a reminder on your practice area.

[@VirtualHandCare]

Yes! These are wonderful tips!

[@DelbertBoyer]

Thanks for the information !

[@pjrodz]

thank you so much for this ❤

[@localosint6045]

I have a curve-in condition on my index fingers. This makes a Barre chord difficult. Is there a way to straighten and correct this without going to an orthopedic surgeon?

[@booswalia]

I move the guitar from one knee to the other now and again so I don't stay in the same position for long. Hasn't done a thing for the arthritis in my thumb though. LOL

[@MrCee71]

Hi, could you please do a demo about Finger Dexterity Exercise for playing the Guitar ?

[@healinghandstherapycenter8161]

Hi Cory.....this is a case by case thing to be honest. It really depends on what is limiting the finger dexterity. If it's a physical thing or a technique thing (they can go hand in hand actually) or if you are just looking to work on your "chops" to get things faster. I have a free group for musicians called The Masterful Musician on Facebook. Feel free to pop in!