RafterGirl
Well-known member
I'd definitely have someone look at your posture while playing, or post some videos here so people can comment. Do you play with your thumb on the back of the neck? or do you hold your uke with the "crotch" between thumb and first finger? I've been a PT for 40 years and I'd recommend seeing one for a couple of visits to look at things the doc may have missed (nothing against docs, but PT's tend to be more experienced with this kind of injury). Take your uke with you. Have them show you how to do an ice massage, and possibly a gentle friction massage on the tendon prior to icing. But the major question to ask yourself is "why". You can't change your arthritis, but is there a repetitive activity (uke or otherwise) that is contributing to the tendonitis? Ask yourself what makes the pain worse, and what makes it less. If your stomach tolerates it and it doesn't conflict with other medications, consider taking 400 mg of ibuprofin 3x/day for 2-3 weeks. This is NOT for pain, so take it regularly even if you are feeling better. This can break the inflammatory cycle. Good luck. Feel free to PM me with questions. Margie
Thanks for the reply. I take a prescription anti-inflammatory already. I primarily hold my uke between the thumb & index finger. Not all the way into the crotch area totally, depending of course on the chord/note I'm playing. I try to relax my hand, and not clutch too tight. I move my thumb to the back of the neck for barre chords. I have straps on all my ukes, and use them regularly when I play. My ortho doc told me about the ice massage. If the cortisone shot doesn't do the trick, then he'll have me see the hand therapist.
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