Thanks for responding. I am at level 2B in Lisa's finger picking lessons. Enjoying it a lot and playing 1 hour a day - 2 or 3 a day on weekends. But my hand does not seem to be building up any strength and so i am still pressing hard on the back of the guitar with my thumb - causing both muscle and joint pain. It seems the pain in a small muscle or ligament in the front of the wrist is from stress as well. I am doing the stretches but will add the wash-cloth excercise suggested as well. Any other suggestion appreciated!