hiya,

My names claire, and ive played the viola since i was 8. and started banjo a year ago. I'm having real problems at the mo because of my hands. the doctors say's its RSI , and says i need physio. Does anyone know any other thing i can do myself to help it. Of has anyone else ever had it.

Thanks for your imput.

Luv Claire

Resting from the cause is really the only way to let things heal.

I've not had it myself, but I do know of pianists who've undergone operations on their hands for tendonitis. Tendonitis is often the result of RSI and can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome - where the tendons become so inflamed just moving your hands about to do every day tasks can be painful.

I notice that you play the viola, and the viola is notorious for causing tendon, RSI and even arthritic problems in the long term, especially if you play a fairly large viola but have quite small hands or not particularly long arms. You haven't said what size the viola is, but it may be worth having a bit of a rest and in the meantime investigating changing to a smaller instrument and see if things improve.

Once you start to suffer from carpal tunnel or serious tendonitis, there is no guarantee that even surgery will cure the problem, so heed your body's warning that things aren't right and make the changes now, before it is too late.

hiya.
tnx for you imput. really appreciated. My viola is quite big (16 3/4). So am considering buying a smaller nicer instrument. I know people probubly here it alot that it's very hard to rest from playing for a while as it's everything that you live for, (well i do). I don't think its helped starting banjo, and thinking that i can do so much, but i do want to get my Grade 8s out the way, so will take up your advice. And rest. seeing as the summer hols are coming up should hopeflly have time to relax.

Thnx again

Claire

For the working musician, like myself, resting is never an option, but, having said that if I am unfotunate enough to sustain some sort of injury that affects my violin playing, I have to rest and let the injury heal.

You have a 16 3/4" viola??!!!! You'd need enormous hands and very long arms to continue playing a viola that big and not sustain RSI or tendonitis. I think you've already conceeded it's a bit on the large side for you and you're wise to already be looking at a playing smaller instrument. Most women tend to play violas of around 15 1/2".

A smaller viola doesn't necessarily have to sound small. The arching, the thickness of the plates and the depth of the ribs all contribute to the overall tone.