what is wrong with my thumb?

[travis16vp]

I played guitar for five years and then stopped to concentrate on trombone for 6 years. For about 8 hours a day of practice and rehearsals, the trombone's weight was always on the left thumb. For the past year, whenever I tried to play guitar, my left thumb gets weak. After a few minutes I can't seem to grip the guitar neck anymore. I tried massaging the area around the thumb to see what's wrong and it feels sore right under the joint. Sometimes I can play longer but I can't play as well as before because the soreness is very distracting.

Anyone experience this sort of thing? Any ideas? Thanks

 

[dualflip]

Man i have no idea of the problem you might have. Im no physician but ill say you need some rest.

 

[dementedchord]

hmmm playing trombone in the philipines??? any chance you're in the band at clark??? i have old friends that were in that band... i was in one at wright-patt.. cant help with the thumb unfortunately... i did jam my right thumb awhile back though and it simply took time...

 

[dogonjon]

It hurts me too

Are you trying to play full barre chords like F and Bb? That can bring on carpel tunnel syndrome. The pinching of the nerves in the wrist can cause pain, tingling and weakness of grip.

 

[VomitHatSteve]

It could be that the muscles you used to use for guitar have atrophied in favor of your trombone-playing muscles. You may just need to rebuild your thumb strength. (of course, you should probably consult a physician before you really start tyring to train your thum in case it is actual damage.)

 

[Slowrider]

It could be that the muscles you used to use for guitar have atrophied in favor of your trombone-playing muscles. You may just need to rebuild your thumb strength. (of course, you should probably consult a physician before you really start tyring to train your thum in case it is actual damage.)

That does happen.

 

[dogonjon]

Tendonitis

Trombone Thumb, like tennis elbow but not athletes foot.

 

[starbuck26]

I'd see a Preist. Could be due to excessive masturbation.

 

[ocnor]

You may just need to rebuild your thumb strength.

 

[NewAgeMuttLange]

i have the same problem... but it's my pinky that does the seizing up....

...sucky...

 

[pohaku]

I think seizing up is different than weakness. Seizing up suggests trigger finger, which can be intially treated with a steroid injection and, if that doesn't work, surgery. I've had that done. Get a boarded certified surgeon who is a hand specialist if you do. I don't know what causes the thumb weakness. Get an appointment with an orthopod that is board certified and has done a hand fellowship.