[HANASHIR:4482] Re: Occupational hazards of guitar playing

[Laura Berkson <braveann...>]

Linda, 

I would like to suggest that perhaps the problem is not your guitar
strap, in fact I'd rather doubt it.  There are straps with thick padding
to prevent abrasions or other problems caused by an instrument that
might be heavy, but muscle knots are not usually caused by something
resting on the problem area.  They are usually caused by a physical
position which somehow causes stress to that muscle group.  I would
suggest that your problem is possibly rooted in the type or size of your
guitar or even the way you are holding it.  

I had back problems which developed after long guitar sessions, and part
of the problem was my physical position, while part was that I was
playing a guitar which was too large.  The problem turned out to be that
I kind of hunched/shrugged up my shoulders as I played, without
realizing it.  I loved my old guitar, but it wasn't until a couple of
friends made comments about how uncomfortable I looked with the guitar,
as I stood before a group or audience to perform or songlead, that I
finally realized I needed a different instrument.  With a smaller-body
guitar and a little help from a friend who is a physical therapist I've
had no problems of that kind.  

Massages are great, but in such situations they're often a "band-aid"
and, at least in my case, didn't address the fact that the problem kept
happening.  There are physical therapists who specialize in working with
musicians, who will observe your physical position/posture and the way
you use, play and hold your instrument.  It might be worth looking into,
as another way to see if you can get to the root of the problem.  

Good luck to you,
Laura Berkson

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