Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
By Gary Allen

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome- Almost everyone has heard of carpel tunnel these days. More than likely you know someone who has had it. Carpel tunnel is the swelling of the tissue around the median nerve which runs through the carpel tunnel. The carpel tunnel is formed by the bones and ligaments in your wrist. When the tissues in around or in your carpel tunnel swell they put pressure on the median nerve and the blood vessels that nourish the median nerve. This can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in your wrist.

Tips for the Live Gig!!
By: Gary Allen

Here are six things that I learned and experienced in my time playing live. I want everyone to understand that I am not saying that you need to make a complete lifestyle change to be healthy during a gig. To better understand this section you should think of yourself as a marathon runner who should be ready to run on the day of the marathon. Instead of using you legs to carry your body through the marathon you are going to be using your fingers to run a marathon on the fretboard. Like a marathon runner you should train (practice) everyday to condition yourself to play. Here are some tips of things you can do to prepare the day of the gig.

Joint Pain
By: Gary Allen



I have received several emails from people who have asked me to further discuss joint problems that they are facing and raise awareness about them to others. We talked about arthritis in the last article, so in this section we are going to talk about the major joints such as knees and hips. Knees and hips seem to be the most common problems that people brought up in the emails I received. As with carpal tunnel syndrome, most major joint problems are caused by repetitive motion, but they can also be caused by acute injuries such as falls, twists, and strains. Over time the ligaments and cartilage in all joints wear down and wear out. Your risk of this is greater as you age.

Guitar Health Part 3
Upper Body Strength
By: Gary Allen


Upper Body Strength - Upper body strength is especially important for those players who have their instrument strapped to their body in some way. (The guy who plays the grand piano does not qualify here.) If you have never played for an extended period of time with an instrument strapped on, you would be surprised how heavy it will feel at the end of a show. I received an email from a bass player by the name of Rob Miller who brought up a couple of points: the benefits of a wider strap and proper lifting technique.

Guitar Health Part 2

Arthritis- Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that is caused by your body’s own immune system attacking its own tissue in the joint area. This can cause the tissues around and in your joints to degrade causing pain and stiffness in your fingers and other joints. As a guitar player this can really slow you down and if it gets bad enough stop you from playing completely.