Pain(ache) in left shoulder while playing (bass with strap)

#22
Killed_by_Death said:
I took pain killers & anti-inflammatory meds when I've had these problems & it just makes it worse for later :eek:

time to get a Comfort Strapp

Comfort Strapp™ – Comfort Strapp™ Guitar Straps

you don't even need strap locks with those:

Bass_Long_Patented_2.jpg
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I can never get both holes to connect on either of my basses. The strap button on my basses is fat and short. It's only tall enough to fit one of the holes
 
#24
This is what I use on my monstrous bubinga five string. The whole strap stretches, the suspension definitely seems to help. Neotech Mega Bass Strap

But that's just a band aid. Yes, I am from California, and I am going to recommend yoga. $0 to get started at home with YouTube videos and online tutorials, which are often payment in themselves. I totally suck at yoga, but it doesn't matter, even in classes with circus contortionist teachers they will tell you it's just about doing the best you can and reaching your own limits. If you can't sit on the ground, sit on a pillow or cushion. If you can't do that, do these in a chair, it doesn't matter. The one where you twist your arms up is called eagle pose, I do it during breaks and after gigs, along with the side neck stretches. I can't do the cow face pose where you're supposed to meet hands behind your back, I hold a strap in the top hand and grab it with the bottom hand and just do the best I can. This video has an even easier modification for that pose.
 
#25
The surgery you had is probably a contributor to the discomfort. Reiterating a few things mentioned above, a wider strap may help, a padded strap may help, a good stretching or yoga routine before playing, during a break and after playing may help, adjusting posture will help. I agree with a couple doctors I know who've advised strongly against arbitrarily applying heat because heat can cause more harm. Use a cold pack instead, 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off if you can.

Staying with the strap you now have can work if you put a folded terrycloth hand towel or thick washcloth between your shoulder and strap; two layers or three is usually enough. You might try folding it in different ways such as two layers at the highest point (pressure point) of the strap on the shoulder then tuck it under in front of the shoulder and behind so it's four layers thick there. Adjust your strap length to compensate. If you play and practice without the strap you should get a piece of nonslip mesh like the sell for throw rugs or cupboards or jar opening. If I wear pants that let the bass slide around when sitting, and a small piece of that on my leg keeps the bass where it belongs.

I'm 66 and I'm often reminded that things that were no problem a couple decades ago are pretty big deals now.
 
#26
Another vote for working on posture and technique. Sounds like you're not in a place for it right now, but if you ever are, look into Alexander Technique.

Hope you feel better soon and get to keep on playing.
 
#27
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#28
tjh said:
I use 4" suede Italia straps, very flexible to the point they spread the load out over the entire 4" .. also, play with your bass height and neck inclination, all have an affect on the angle of your arm and how it sits in the socket .. sometimes it is not the pressure of the bass, but a bit of an impingement occuring from an alignment issue ..

... if my discomfort gets bad, it is amazing how good my sub 7# Squier Jazz begins to sound to me, and I just grab that ... whatever you have to do to keep going until the fun stops ;)
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Yessir those 4" Italia's make a big difference in comfort for me too, and proper playing ergonomics.
 
#29
russosborne said:
Just started noticing this. Probably since I have only the last few weeks been trying to play about every night.
Playing a Yamaha, so the weight isn't huge.

The pain is exactly where the strap goes across. I play seated, on a stool I bought at GC.
It's bad enough (been getting worse) that I am having to stop playing after about 20 minutes. The pain does not go away immediately after stopping.

I will try playing without the strap for now, although I need it to support the bass so my hands are free. Another option is Tylenol, but I don't want to just mask a real problem.

I am going to ask my instructor about it this week, but was just looking for any advice. I'm just getting to where I can tell I am improving, and I don't want to have to stop playing.

Thanks,
Russ
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Check your posture /technique.
That may well do it.
 
#30
Another option is the 3" Glove Leather Strap made by Franklin Strap and sold at GC. I have used them for a couple years now and they are well worth the money. They also control neck dive. If you continue to have pain then maybe you need to play sitting down all the time. At least for now until you feel better. Good luck :D
 
#36
JimmyM said:
You guys who can use the Comfort Strapp are lucky. The outer strap that holds it together digs into my shoulder so much that the foam part might as well not even exist.

I use a Levy' s MSS2-4, which is 4 1/2 inches wide and doesn't dig into my shoulder at all. That said, it helps a little with heavy basses, but it's no sub for a lighter bass. That's the only thing that really works for me.
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+1 for these! These are my favorite as well! Putting them on is pure bliss for me. I currently own two, and I want another.
 
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#37
If I got it correctly and the ache is in the left shoulder, try finding a different strap length (i.e. enlarge it), this should move the guitar's weight more to the right shoulder (and/or your lap, if you're sitting).
 
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#38
besides looking for a new strap, do some shoulder friendly exercises. If you google "throwers 10" you'll find a series of AC/RC/Scap exercises that are used by overhead athletes as prehab and by just about everyone for shoulder rehab. Being seen by an orthopedist would be a good idea too. Anyhow, here's a PDF that covers most of the throwers 10 program http://www.ortho.ufl.edu/sites/ortho.ufl.edu/files/handouts/Throwers-Ten.pdf .
 
#39
I think some people may need to reread through the whole thread, or at least through the OP's responses. He is recovering from major surgery. Standing is currently shaky, and pain could very easily be related to what his body has recently gone through.

I'm not trying to scold anyone, and I'm absolutely guilty of occasionally responding to threads I haven't read all the way through, but this is more serious a matter than usual in terms of a strap/shoulder pain issue.

Russ, if you haven't already, I'd also talk to your doc on a follow-up to ask about this. The members here, myself included, may be a collective fount of knowledge when it comes to resolving strap-related kinesiological issues, but most of us (I assume) are not physicians. Certainly none of us (it'd be really cool to be proven wrong here) is your physician. You and your doc should probably take a minute to figure this out.

Take care,
George
 
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#40
The pain being under the strap may be just coincidence.

Check to see if you are tensing up your left shoulder, like a slight shrug, when you are playing standing up with a strap. I once noticed I was tensing my left shoulder without realizing it while playing. I started making a conscious effort to keep both shoulders level and relaxed.
 
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