Rabs Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 I decided to do a separate post about this as I don't want to interrupt the flow of the build thread.. Basically I have been forced to stop work on it at the moment.. Whats happened is that for the last few days since about Monday/Tuesday I have been having quite bad RSI type pains down my right arm.. Whats worse is when I go to bed that arm tends to go to go slightly numb... Which I think comes down to the fact that I am still not used to doing all this physical work.. Since ive moved into the garage I can work much longer hours as the tent got a bit thin of air after an hour or so and could do only 2-3 hours at the most.. Last weekend I probably did two 6-7 hour days where I was at it almost constantly (well when your into it, its fun and you don't notice the time).. Im pretty sure ive just pulled a muscle or strained a tendon in my right arm (pain around the bottom of my thumb area and its stiff down the side of my forearm and if I try making a fist it hurts slightly).. The weird thing is the first two days or so that this started when I would then go and do some work the pain would go away? But was back again by the evening. Anyway, so I have decided that even though its very frustrating being so close to the end that I should listen to my body or I will regret it.. So yesterday and today I have had a break.. I think I should probably leave it a couple more days but we will see how that goes I guess... So, sorry that there will be a delay for anyone watching... Hopefully I can get back on with it soon, just thought id let people who may have been waiting for an update know whats happening. And the lesson? I guess, listen to your body, pain is there as a warning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdgm Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 Sounds like a swollen tendon or muscle strain. Having followed the build thread so far I'm surprised you're not suffering much more! 2-3 weeks to get any better, not days! Can you hold a cup of coffee? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 Sounds like a swollen tendon or muscle strain. Having followed the build thread so far I'm surprised you're not suffering much more! 2-3 weeks to get any better, not days! Can you hold a cup of coffee? Yup... its not so bad that I cant hold things or anything like that.. its just a dull ache.. If I try and close my fist tight it hurts a small amount but nothing too bad. I obviously just did it for way to long over last weekend... lesson learned.. As I say its not to to bad, so im hoping its only a slight strain or pull.. If its not any better by Monday I will go to the doc and see what they say.. Oh well.. I guess it was bound to happen at some point.. I think some ibuprofen may be in order though as that's a muscle relaxant and may help (im not a big pill taker)... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pin Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 It is probably just a strain Rabs...but take it easy mate...bigger things await you down the line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 It is probably just a strain Rabs...but take it easy mate...bigger things await you down the line. Thanks man... and yes I will.. Its just a little frustrating.. I want t go finish the guitar so bad.. I really thought id be done by next week but there you go.. Better to wait and do it properly and not endanger myself :) (being sensible for once ;)) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greybeard Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 Hey Rabs, When you start a routine of working out after a long off time, they recommend only light workouts two or three days a week for an hour or so. That gives your muscles time to recuperate and heal after the strain of not doing it for a while. It sounds like you've overworked those muscles that were not used to that kind of strain. Give yourself a few days off and gradually work up to those long work sessions. In the end you'll condition those muscles to accept that kind of treatment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 Hey Rabs, When you start a routine of working out after a long off time, they recommend only light workouts two or three days a week for an hour or so. That gives your muscles time to recuperate and heal after the strain of not doing it for a while. It sounds like you've overworked those muscles that were not used to that kind of strain. Give yourself a few days off and gradually work up to those long work sessions. In the end you'll condition those muscles to accept that kind of treatment. Yeah man.. totally makes sense.. Even though I have been doing this for 1-3 hours at a time for the last 4-5 months. But I guess doubling that time is a bit of a jump.. slowly does it. I have the same sort of idea in mind of building it up... You just get so into it when your doing stuff like this (like making music) time slips by.. I will just have to be more controlled until my body gets used to it I guess... As in the above post its kind of surprising it hasn't happened before now.. As Searcy said to me.. I guess im just paying my dues ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vestapol Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 ...Whats worse is when I go to bed that arm tends to go to go slightly numb...I can work much longer hours...Last weekend I probably did two 6-7 hour days where I was at it almost constantly ... strained a tendon in my right arm pain around the bottom of my thumb area and its stiff down the side of my forearm and if I try making a fist it hurts slightly)..rest, then do some work the pain would go away?... But was back again by the evening. Ouch! All this sounds like what I had...intense, escalated use of the hands, wrist, forearms leads to tingling or numbness during sleep; pain that goes away when I exercise but then comes back. I'm diagnosed with Repetitive Motion Syndrome. I got it from training for kayak racing but guitar playing, painting, sanding made it worse. I have an excellent sports chiropractor who knows soft tissue injuries. He worked on it for two appointments and it was 90% better. He told me to ice it three times a day minimum; gave me stretches and light exercises; prescribed vitamin B12; and it got 100% better. Not cured but complete remission. I thought I'd never race again. Now when I feel it coming back I just stop what I'm doin, ice, stretch gently, begin exercises when pain's gone, and keep stretchin. I can resume whatever I was doin in two or three days. If you want to get more details, Rabs, PM me. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 Ouch! All this sounds like what I had...intense, escalated use of the hands, wrist, forearms leads to tingling or numbness during sleep; pain that goes away when I exercise but then comes back. I'm diagnosed with Repetitive Motion Syndrome. I got it from training for kayak racing but guitar playing, painting, sanding made it worse. I have an excellent sports chiropractor who knows soft tissue injuries. He worked on it for two appointments and it was 90% better. He told me to ice it three times a day minimum; gave me stretches and light exercises; prescribed vitamin B12; and it got 100% better. Not cured but complete remission. I thouight I'd never race again. Now when I feel it coming back I just stop what I'm doin, ice, stretch gently, begin exercises when pain's gone, and keep stretchin. I can resume whatever I was doin in one or two days. If you want to get more details, Rabs, PM me. Cheers, Hmm, very interesting.. thanks for the reply... I think for the moment I will just see how it goes over the next few days.. if it doesn't get any better I will go see an expert but it does sound quite similar to what you had I hope I haven't done anything like that, that will come back again.. I have only just started making these guitars and want to do many more.. it will be a bummer if my body just isn't up to it :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vestapol Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 ...if it doesn't get any better I will go see an expert ...I hope I haven't done anything like that, that will come back again.. I have only just started making these guitars.. it will be a bummer if my body just isn't up to it :( Well, there's your key to it, Rabs: "...if my body just isn't up to it..." If your thinking takes an all or nothing approach, you may end up with nothing. Because... (I'm starting to lecture. Sorry. I'll speak for myself.) ...Because my RMS is the precursor to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other more serious tendon issues which would require surgery and may not heal well enough for me to resume what I love doin. Why would I procrastinate the icing? It can't hurt and I'll be able to get back to what I love. Masssaging in anti-inflammatory salicilate cream (like Icy Hot) can't hurt and it truly reduces inflamation so my tendons get a chance to heal. But if the self-care doesn't get it, then I can get myself to my favorite soft tissue sports specialist. I love playin those guitars and paddlin my kayak, mate, so I just make myself do the right thing. Right away. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 Well, there's your key to it, Rabs: "...if my body just isn't up to it..." If your thinking takes an all or nothing approach, you may end up with nothing. Because... (I'm starting to lecture. Sorry. I'll speak for myself.) ...Because my RMS is the precursor to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other more serious tendon issues which would require surgery and may not heal well enough for me to resume what I love doin. Why would I procrastinate the icing? It can't hurt and I'll be able to get back to what I love. Masssaging in anti-inflammatory salicilate cream (like Icy Hot) can't hurt and it truly reduces inflamation so my tendons get a chance to heal. I love playin those guitars and paddlin my kayak, mate, so I just make myself do the right thing. Right away. Cheers, No its ok.. Its not so much about all or nothing.. Its just more, if I want to do a physical job which will require repetitive work I cant see it getting better.. But that's is the way im doing it now.. If I am successful I will invest in some good tools that will take a lot of the repetitive work out of it so I don't see it as an end, just something I have to overcome in some way. If however its just strain then I will just have to be more careful and I should be able to get back to it with no issues if im careful from now on. I am actually familiar with Carpal Tunnel as ive worked with computers for many years and know the damage you can do if you don't sit in the right position and use a wrist rest and stuff like that.. I avoided it in nearly 20 years of working with computers.. And really even though our symptoms may be similar I would rather find out exactly what the issue is from an expert before I do anything (plus I don't have any ice packs or creams or anything). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 Well.. some goodish news... My arm has stopped going numb when I go to sleep.. So we have improvement :) (that was the most worrying symptom for me).. Now this does not yet mean that I am going to start working again.. My arm still doesn't feel normal.. So I am going to wait it out a bit rather than take any chances.. May even go see a doctor this week.. But its a good sign I think. Im just really annoyed as I want to finish my bloody guitars :P :) Oh well.. Hopefully I will can at it again within the next week or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 It's only a hunk of wood. You can beat it. Because you're a tiger..! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 It's only a hunk of wood. You can beat it. Because you're a tiger..! Haha lol Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr Yes this is no way me giving up.. I WILL finish these AND I will make more you can be sure of that :) Paying the piper man :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vestapol Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 Haha lol Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr Yes this is no way me giving up.. I WILL finish these AND I will make more you can be sure of that :) Paying the piper man :) Glad you're gettin better, Rabs. Enjoy. And send pictures of this one when it's done. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 Glad you're gettin better, Rabs. Enjoy. And send pictures of this one when it's done. Cheers, Cheers man.. I have been stretching and just doing like house work chores and just making sure I don't strain too much... And you've seen my thread in this ? It has many pictures... And I will also do a video at the end so you can all hear it (and my Searcy made pups :)). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 Glad you're gettin better, Rabs. Enjoy. And send pictures of this one when it's done. Cheers, Also you know what... I was just thinking about last Sunday.. and im not even sure that it was the guitar building that did this.. Just before that session I was helping my dad get rid of a tree stump.. this thing is like petrified wood and I was hacking at it for about 45 mins with an axe... I think that's actually what caused this... Im actually quite sensible usually with listening to my body which is why I haven't hurt myself up till this point.. So hopefully it wont happen again :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vestapol Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 Also you know what... I was just thinking about last Sunday.. and im not even sure that it was the guitar building that did this.. Just before that session I was helping my dad get rid of a tree stump.. this thing is like petrified wood and I was hacking at it for about 45 mins with an axe... I think that's actually what caused this... Im actually quite sensible usually with listening to my body which is why I haven't hurt myself up till this point.. So hopefully it wont happen again :) Yessss! That makes so much sense. So once that injury's healed maybe the guitar work will be fine on your body. And still it does sound wise to go ahead and get those tools that'll do more of the work for you... Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 Yessss! That makes so much sense. So once that injury's healed maybe the guitar work will be fine on your body. And still it does sound wise to go ahead and get those tools that'll do more of the work for you... Cheers, Indeed yes I will... I have already bought these today... Man its hard to get Luthier tools in the UK.. I got these off Ebay from a guy in Greece.. I know Stewmac does these too but these were way cheaper (and of course its nearer distance wise)... Its costing £23. And then im gonna get one of these to go with it (only £26) That will help with the fretting an awful lot.. And im intending to get like an angle grinder type tool (or circular sander) for like sanding the neck profile and the body curves (when I do that on another build)... Those tools alone will cut the making time down by many days work. Like this guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted June 4, 2013 Author Share Posted June 4, 2013 Hello... I thought id update this for anyone whos wondering whats going on. Im still having some issues with my injury. It kinda comes and goes but I should probably have left it longer before I started work again.. The problem is even if I don't work on my projects I still have to use my arm on a daily basis so cant totally rest it.. VERY annoying.. But I have an appointment with a physiotherapist in just over a week. So I will just take it easy till then I think. Its worth it in the long run however annoying it may be. I also have my furniture restoration course once a week which im kinda saving myself for. If I only do that once a week its not too bad and I don't want to give the course up. So I haven't given up, these builds WILL continue but better to be safe than sorry so hopefully I will get it sorted out in the next few weeks and be able to continue work. So close, yet so far :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izzy Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 Man, it sucks about your injury but the phys-therapy will help. My ex had tendonitis and it went from her ankle to her hip because she left the former untreated. A bit of therapy (3 months) and she was back to good. To this day she makes sure to stretch and all that good stuff. I had a friend who worked with his hands doing house building and he had a hard time with small objects after work. We were in our early 20s and he already had issues using his lighter right after working with big pieces of wood and carrying heavy stuff all day. Just be careful. Warm up and stretch. There's no rush, the guitar will be there for you to finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted June 5, 2013 Author Share Posted June 5, 2013 Man, it sucks about your injury but the phys-therapy will help. My ex had tendonitis and it went from her ankle to her hip because she left the former untreated. A bit of therapy (3 months) and she was back to good. To this day she makes sure to stretch and all that good stuff. I had a friend who worked with his hands doing house building and he had a hard time with small objects after work. We were in our early 20s and he already had issues using his lighter right after working with big pieces of wood and carrying heavy stuff all day. Just be careful. Warm up and stretch. There's no rush, the guitar will be there for you to finish. Thanks Izzy :) And yeah I know theres only my own time scales to deal with. I was just so excited when I had done the frets, so close to gluing the body and neck together. If this hadn't have happened the first one would be finished by now.. Hey ho.. I spose my health is more important. If I don't get it fixed properly it will just come back again and again until im in constant pain and need an operation, and I sure don't want that to happen.. Oh well C'est La Vie ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Superbowl weekend I bent over to tie my shoe and got hit by something that felt like I had just been cut in half at the waste. It sucks getting old. I honestly wondered if I would ever walk again. I can't overstate the difference physical therapy has made for me in the last few months. Now I'm back to normal. I'm thinking of starting back to running like I did 20 years ago. Seems it's going to require some effort to keep this body from falling apart. It sucks getting old... did I say that already? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vestapol Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Hello...I thought id update this for anyone whos wondering whats going on. Im still having some issues with my injury. I should probably have left it longer before I started work again.. But I have an appointment with a physiotherapist in just over a week. I also have my furniture restoration course once a week which im kinda saving myself for...So I haven't given up, these builds WILL continue but better to be safe than sorry... Hi, Rabs, how'd it go with the physiotherapist? I hope yer feelin better and on the path to complete healing. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted July 29, 2013 Author Share Posted July 29, 2013 Hi, Rabs, how'd it go with the physiotherapist? I hope yer feelin better and on the path to complete healing. Cheers, Doug Hey man... Thanks for asking :) Yes im pretty much 100% now (lets call it 99.5% :)).. I went actually to an osteotherapist in the end who has been seeing my mum for years.. She said that my tendons were ok (my arm had just gotten better) and most of the pain was coming from my wrist (which I broke many years ago).. Since then the numbness has gone away totally which was happening when I was sleeping and even though I get a bit of soreness, I run it under freezing cold water for a bit and it helps.. So ive been back working on a new project to be revealed soon.. I have now completed my antique furniture restoration course and I will be returning to my own builds tomorrow.. On top of that im moving to a new and nicer area in a few weeks so its all go for me :) So, more on my builds VERY soon :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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