What to do for sore wrists and arms.

[Nichols]

Howdy, Hubert,

At 05:56 PM 6/29/2005 -0500, you wrote:
>Excuse snips below that may be somewhat cryptic. Bear with me and lets
>change the subject line if needed.
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Nichols" <nicho@zianet.com>
>Subject: Re: What to do for sore wrists and arms.
>..... flamesuit zipped-up to the neck..... strong arms help.
> >Honestly, a little extra time a few times a week
> > invested on your forearm muscles will get your flexors and extensors ..
>For me, it's the control benefit that I really like.
> > Simple mechanics.  It's ALL you muscles, y'know. Not just arms.

>"Stronger arms=more control". If you are a bass trombone player, moving
>the slide and wiggling fingers at the same time, "arm relaxation
>techniques", and erect posture are required.
>I have found that the more
>muscle in my right arm the slower my slide will move in and out.

Understood. I did the slip-horn thing for a few years until I was informed 
that they "needed tuba players". Oh well. Anyway, yeah... Stiff arm no 
worky slide so good. But, weak was not a viable goal, either.


>  Conversly
>the weaker, the harder it is to tune. Flexible strength is the answer. The
>back muscles and diaphram muscles are important, as well as taking deep
>breaths as you tune/play. Think the same way as you 'pound the keys'...relax
>and breathe deeply. We are in agrement here, just another way of looking at
>a problem. ...Full body flame suit applied for if not activated.
>
>Hubert Liverman
>Opelika,Al



I think you're right about "flexible strength", Hubert. But, a big part of 
tone is power. Punch with little sustain is still better than thin and 
airy. Punch with great sustain is ideal. Good muscle tone in the forearms 
can be achieved without building to a painful stiffness. Poor muscle tone 
in the arms leads to fatigue and stresses other muscles unfairly. Most 
strength-building exercises, when performed correctly, promote flexibility. 
It's always good to vary the routines and include different exercises. And, 
as you mentioned, breathe. Lots. Deeply. And often.

later,
Guy