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For guitar players, nearly all of guitar playing revolves around playing small, repetitive motions. The best advice is to [[Warm-Up Exercises|warm-up]], including stretches and improving blood flow. That will reduce the build-up of toxic byproducts in the muscles that can injure them and surrounding tissue, as well as reducing pressure on nerves. Listen to your body. If your joints start to ache, stop playing. Don't try to "push through" the pain. Do more stretches. As long as there is no associated pain, perform large, forceful, non-repetitive exercises on the affected muscles/joints - this will force blood into the muscles and clear out lingering toxins as well as stretching muscles and tendons. I'm talking about getting into a push-up position and lifting yourself by your finger-tips, as well as lifting weights - a few reps that really work the muscles and change the pace from the small, repetitive movements involved in playing guitar.
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== Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) ==
For more information, see [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome Wikipedia].
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== Tendinitis and Tendinosis ==
Tendinosis is not simply inflammation of tendon tissue but its breakdown at the cellular level, with the typical inflammation absent. As there is no inflammation as in tendinitis, anti-inflammatories are not effective treatment. It takes a long time for the body to repair tendon tissue - recovery requires lots of rest and very gradual rehabilitation.
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== Strained/Pulled Muscles ==
You should also watch out for strained muscles when carrying gear. Trying to lift something with your bicep that should really be done by your thighs and buttocks is a bad idea. Use the big muscles for the heaviest gear, using the smaller muscles only to stabilize them. Don't jerk your neck. Try to hold your shoulders back, not forwards.
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== Saturday Night Wrist (Radial Nerve Compression) ==
Dave Mustaine suffered this injury and basically had to relearn how to play guitar for several weeks before regaining his former technical ability. It is caused by a nerve compression in the armpit, which basically causes paralysis of the wrist and finger muscles. The "Saturday Night" portion of the name is due to it being associated with getting drunk/wasted and passing out in a chair, with one's arm draped over the backrest.
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== Bulging/Herniated Disks ==
This risk is increased by maintaining poor posture while playing or doing studio work. Set up your studio with ergonomic chairs and well-arranged equipment. You don't want the piece of gear you most constantly tweak or view on or just off the floor. Put it on your desk - get it at elbow height or higher. Be aware that sitting puts considerable pressure on the back, and be sure to get up and move around every hour or so.
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