We mentioned the Handmaster Plus in our Tips and Tricks section last month, but for those of you threatened by the icy pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, we think it's worth bringing up again. Though it sounds like some kind of device you’d see on a Christie Brinkley/Chuck Norris Infomercial, it's a very simple device based on two basic physical therapy principles, opposing muscles and blood flow.

Our limited "one-way" muscle approach to intense practicing is not unlike professional data entry computer keyboard typists. Small, isolated repetitive motion is killer on us old farts, and many young can suffer the same painful consequences. Basic stretching exercises are in order to counter these motions with muscles that do the opposite. Those that contract need to be offset by working those that extend, and the Gripmaster Plus is the answer.

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A squeeze rubber ball with stretch rubber loops that attach to the thumb and finger, this simple device can give your fingers, wrists, forearms the therapy needed to intense damage that long practicing or gigging can inflict. Use this as a warm-up and get the blood flowing to the small capillaries of your hands and you’ll be ready to perform faster. Use it at the end of long playing sessions and you can warm down again a prevent further damage to your mandolinning muscles.

These are distributed by GHS Strings dealers and List Price is under $15.00. If you can't find one, contact us.

Read Tips and Tricks article: Stop the Pain

Posted by Ted at August 8, 2006 05:54 AM