Watch Those Hands!

You would think this should go without saying. Take care of your hands! They are important tools!

How long does it to heal a nick or cut? What about blisters? Burns are the worst. Any of these on your fingertips and you won’t be playing for a while. The point is you have to think. If you make a good habit of it, you’ll save yourself a lot of anger. Oh yeah, and pain.

You need to be stronger to play longer. It is possible to overplay causing permanent damage. If you feel cramps, stop!

Idea: It’s always a good idea to loosen up before playing. Cracking your knuckles a lot is not good. Stretching each finger forward, backward and apart, is better. If one happens to crack, fine. I wouldn’t do it intentionally. I put my fingers in a praying position and start a little stretching. Then open and close to a fist. Just don’t overdo it.

Idea: One thing I do is wash them under warm water before playing. Soak them a little, especially if they are cold. This accomplishes two things. #1 Clean strings. The longer it will be until I have to change them. Cool! #2 It also warms and loosens me up.

Idea: Those stress balls made of rubber with what feels like sand inside, are good for strength building. You can even push on them with your fingertips, without breaking them, if you keep your nails short enough. Just don’t overdo it. Stop when you are given a sign that it’s working too much.

Get in your head that you will take care of your hands. I’m not saying you have to be a complete wuss. Just be smarter. Now, easy with that hammer there. Hold the nail. Tap lightly. Get your paw out of the way. Now whack it. Live to play another day.

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