Hand lotion for tired muscles.

[Mikethebook]

I've read on the forums about the use of hand lotion to help with sealing of holes but does anyone use and recommend a specific hand cream or lotion that helps tired hand muscles after playing or just keeps them supple?

[cai-shao-yang]

I usually is optional shaking arm, make its relax

[MTGuru]

Skirting the edge of our prohibition against medical advice ...

If your (normal) hand muscles are tired or sore enough after playing that you feel the need for a lotion, you're probably doing something wrong. No death grip! There should be very little tension in the hands when holding the whistle, and the finger movements are quite small with little pressure.

Shao-Yang is right. Basic things like shaking the hands loose, gently massaging the back of the hands, and keeping the hands and fingers warm should be more than enough. And of course, stopping (and correcting) if you experience any pain.

My aging hands have played 4+ hour sessions on whistle without the need for post-performance treatment. Guitar, however, is a different story ...

[Mikethebook]

I'm a relative beginner learning on a low D whistle so the hands have more to do than on a high whistle. After an hour's practice, my hands are getting a little bit tired though not sore; I'd stop If I felt any discomfort. I do have to keep reminding myself to relax my hands. At times, they, like the rest of me, get tense, especially if I'm trying something new or trying to play an extended high A or B.

[MTGuru]

It's true, I think, that the extra weight of a low D can create more of a tendency to grip too hard. So that's something to be conscious of. A good hand position should be just as relaxed and comfortable on a low whistle as on a smaller one.

[Mikethebook]

My hands are aging too and I just want to look after them. 57 is a little late to be starting on a low whistle though my hands are used to finger-style guitar.

[maki]

The advice I've seen that has helped me is to run your hands under very warm water before
and then after playing run them under very cold water.

[Mikethebook]

Maki, thanks for that. Sounds interesting idea.

[retired]

I also was having my hands tighten up playing a low d - now before I start I open and close them a number of times and I do it after each tune. Has worked well for me.

[Mikethebook]

When you say open and close, I assume you mean stretching the hands when you open them. Thanks for that.

[fiddlerwill]

Something that might be of help is to avoid hyper-extending the thumb. whereby it curves sharply back . So rather than using the pad of the thumb behind the whistle try to use the side of the thumb there by keeping it straight. Unless you have thumb holes this wont specifically help with any techniques for the thumb but will support good hand alignment and help avoid strain.

[jim stone]

The advice I've seen that has helped me is to run your hands under very warm water before
and then after playing run them under very cold water.

My version of this is running your hands under hot water, but not hot enough to scald or hurt yourself,
before playing. Don't forget your wrists. Afterwards icing or cold packs. A bowl of of icy water
is a good way to go but I use cold packs. Be careful not to freeze your hands. Again, include
your wrists.

This is standard muscian's practice to avoid injury and dampen inflammation.

[ytliek]

Skirting the edge of our prohibition against medical advice ...

This is standard muscian's practice to avoid injury and dampen inflammation.

well then, this isn't medical advice at all, tiz standard musician's practice, but, I would hardly consider myself a musician, yet, I needed this info too. thanks all above

[MarcoTúlio]

I think that you should look for a medical opinion first. Go look for a good Doctor and Take that opportunity to make a check up too

Don't take any medicines or lotions for pain muscles before seeing your Phisician

Take care and good Whistling!!

[ytliek]

I think that you should look for a medical opinion first. Go look for a good Doctor and Take that opportunity to make a check up too

Don't take any medicines or lotions for pain muscles before seeing your Phisician

Take care and good Whistling!!

Now that is medical advice!