Shaky hand

Unfortunately I have essential tremors that effect my right hand ;sometimes worse than others. It's very frustrating. Any suggestions what I can do?

Talk to your physician. There may be medical professionals in your area that specialize in treating musicians...the larger the metropolitan area the better the chance to find one.

For example, at Sentara Neurology Specialists located at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, VA there is a neurologist that "works with artists to prevent and treat problems resulting from musical performance such as overuse injuries, nerve problems, and involuntary muscle spasms." In Minneapolis, there is a musicians' clinic, the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Clinic. Similarly, there is The Performing Arts Clinic, a part of the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Of course, neurologists who treat tremors should be a first stop. Until then, the universal admonition is to avoid stress and limit smoking and caffeine. On the plus side, some consider small amounts of alcohol beverages a help. :rolleyes:

If you find meaningful help let us know. I have a tremor in my fret hand and in the past couple weeks I think it has started to affect my practice. At least, that's what I blame some of my slow playing on... :D

Hi there.

There is prescription medicine that can work wonders with essential tremors.

The tremors plagued me for years. About 6 months ago, I went to a neurologist who prescribed medicine called Propanolol. The stuff is like magic. No adverse reactions and calm hands.

Read about it and you may wish to try it.

Best wishes.

Thank you both.

And my thanks too.

In my reading I found Propanolol frequently mentioned but little about its efficacy. It's nice to know that there's something out there a little further down the road if need be.

Thanks too a guitar legend for caring.

I too have essential tremors. I have it in both hands. I've been on Myseline, neuronton, and other types of meds and so far, none of them have been enough help to cause me to continue taking the drugs. I find that the longer I play, the less I shake. When I first pick up my guitar, the shakes are enough to vibrate the strings without a pick (I have an awesome vibrato :)). After about 2-3 minutes the tremors seem to calm down and they are manageable. Unfortunately, playing in front of a live audience, has its drawbacks. I usually turn with my back to the crowd until the tremors calm down enough to face my audience. Needless to say, I don't do a solo act. Alcohol does have some benefits (particularly red wine), but I don't like playing with a buzz and since I rarely drink, one glass of wine will get me buzzed. I wish I could be more positive about the tremor situation, but for me...it's just a part of my life. I've had the tremors since I was a teenager (I'm 57 now). I don't think they're going away anytime soon and I've learned how to live with them.

That seems to be the case for me as well. Thank you for your input.

I also take Propranolol, but for migraines. I'm on 80mg and it has kept the headaches at a minimum and I don't have any side effects from it. Hopefully this will work for you in your situation. Good luck!

Tim

neuronton is a med usually used to treat seizures but I was on it for Neuropathy from nerve damage due to a stroke.
I worked with the people who make it and I stayed on it for a full 4 months and it had no affect on me.
So I searched the web and found a liquid OTC drug called Neurgen.
1/2 ounce is $49.99 but I had some nurses get me what I need at no cost..
For the first week I just rubbed it on the pinky finger and I felt changes but the pain came back.
I called the people who make it and they said use it another week then top off the small bottle with *GOOD* olive oil.
In 7 weeks I had full feeling back in 2 fingers and now I use it once a week just to stay ahead of it.
Also type in NEURAGEN in the amazon search boxx and they list several things for nerve damage.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=neuragen&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=31461737937&hvpos=1t3&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=7512223225448607770&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_6q50304hx4_b
As far as your tremors,try those hand exercise grips.
Good Luck
BOB LECH