So here's the deal, recently I've been getting cramp in my right leg, where the leg meets the hip. I figured it was down to drumming and today a physio said it more than likely is RSI from bass drum playing.

Just wondering if anyone else has suffered this and if so any ways you found of easing it.

I've tried seat hight, but what else have you tried?

For now it's not stoppng me from playing, but when you sit down on the loo and it cripples you there it aint so funny!








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RobCrisp.co.uk

Rob Crisp wrote:

So here's the deal, recently I've been getting cramp in my right leg, where the leg meets the hip. I figured it was down to drumming and today a physio said it more than likely is RSI from bass drum playing.

Just wondering if anyone else has suffered this and if so any ways you found of easing it.

I've tried seat hight, but what else have you tried?

For now it's not stoppng me from playing, but when you sit down on the loo and it cripples you there it aint so funny!

I've had similar discomfort, but in my left leg. I can't say if it's RSI, because I also suffer form Psoriatic Arthritis. All I can recommend is good diet and exercise, and make sure you are sitting comfortably so that your leg doesn't bind at all through your range of motion. Raising my seat helped, and I also re-positioned my bass drums so my legs aren't so spread apart and my feet point more forward.
Also, look at what other factors could contribute, such as what do you do for work? Even if it's not labor intensive, sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time can take its toll. Try and be conscious of it, make sure you stretch and change your position/posture frequently

Hey Rob,

Along with the comments made above, perhaps you should also re-examine you pedal technique - are you slamming on the kick (what Bobby Rock calls, "Foot down, body forward")? Don't know your age, but maybe changing up foot techniques might be something to consider so that you're working "smarter, not harder."









Last edited by Atmerrill on Sat Nov 10, 2007 3:02 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Alden Merrill

Ford Drums
Zildjian Cymbals, Aquarian Heads
Vater, Cappella and Vic Firth Sticks
Proudly playing drums crafted in the USA.

Did you see that cheeseball photoshop thing I made the other day? Make sure you're sitting somewhat like that. Your ankle shouldn't be behind your knee, under it, or too far in front of it. That gives you more ankle movement to work with so you don't have to use your hip so much. Which will lead into Merrill's suggestion about examining your technique.

Also, are you playing with both you and your kick facing straight forward? If so, that's not a very anatomically correct position. Time to take your set down to noting and examine how you're setting up. Start with your throne and then put your feet on the floor about shoulder width apart and 100% relaxed. You should be 100% comfortable with where you are and your feet should form an equal sided triangle with your throne. That's where your kick and hihat pedals should be. Make sure you put the pedal in position so the ball of your foot lands right on the sweet spot of the footboard when you're relaxed. This is usually with your heel hanging off the heel plate about an inch or two.

Then there's the right side of your kit. Are you having to twist a lot to get to your floor tom(s) and cymbals? If so you'll want to address that right after you adjust your pedal locations. You want as little twisting as possible.

I still have right hip issues due to a number of things and an incorrect setup is one of those things. The other two are a weight lifting accident in high school and a car accident at the beginning of this year.








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Dr. Rodney McKay wrote:

Well, I only know one thing and that is that flying darkness that eats energy can only be very, very bad.

http://www.MySpace.com/PageFive

I have a good exercise regieme, about 3 times a week at the gym as well as jogging most days.

As for technique I have been studying at drumtech recently and one of the first things I asked to address when i arrived was technique on the bass and setup. I wanted to be sure I was playing correctly.

I set up throne first, where my feet sit naturally is where I position my pedals, and the kit around. I try to keep my setup from bending around me too much as I hate twisting to hit the floor tom anyway.

In terms of technique, I used to be a heavy bass drum player, using my whole leg and slamming it in, but discovered that was no good for fast phrases so again, examind my technique at DT.

I do have to drive on average for about 2-3 hours a day and when at work, spend my time sat down all day more or less.... I think this is possibly a major factor as it's only set in recently and I have played for 11 years no problems.

Thanks for the ideas, I'll be even more careful to check these things from now on.

All that said, my physio actually showed me an awesome exercise to stretch it out before playing and after playing to help avoid injury. It's a bugger of a muscle/tendon whatever to get at

Thanks guys!

P.S. SG, didn't see it, but will look for it now!


EDIT.....

SG seen the image, http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g181/91SiZ6/angles.jpg

That's the one right?

That's how I sit, knee before ankle and lower than hip! So I know i have that right :-p

Well lets see what happens....








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RobCrisp.co.uk

Aye, that's the cheeseball image.

The driving might be your problem. Do you put your wallet in your right back pocket?

I didn't start getting pain until around 10-12 years, either. So it may be from years of improper technique along with the driving.








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Dr. Rodney McKay wrote:

Well, I only know one thing and that is that flying darkness that eats energy can only be very, very bad.

http://www.MySpace.com/PageFive

yea dude this happens to me to all i when i have this problem i just put up with it and keep practcing id say though that u should raise ur seat maybe to help put less stress on your legs and yea just practice.








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DRummer BOy Jeff

Ummm, I know I'm spamming my technique, yet again, but this used to be a major problem for me. I solved it by moving my throne back quite a bit and raising the height so picking my legs up at my hips was no more effort. Hope i could help.








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Drums are fun, cars are sick, music is great, and life is alright.

"I never said that gear makes the player...I just wanted to exploit the other side of the argument."

i had this problem for a while when i first started out and the easy fix was that i took my wallet out of my right back pocket, as garrett suggested.

This usually happens when you sit in a position that feels fine, but really is putting some stress on that muscle and tendon.

Its like the exercise where you hold your arms at a right angle with your body. At first you like, well this is fine, but then in half an hour you're like damn, that hurts!








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http://www.myspace.com/rdlittle2525

I get that cramp the odd time in my left left where it meets my hip, cripples ya too, its a real bitch durin a gig too. I dont think driving helps at all, that seem to put real strain on my legs.

Ive been incapable of playing lately cause ive done sumthin to my left hand, cant hold a stick properly. pissin me off rightly so it is.

Cheers guys!

Touch wood, no problems for the last week or so!








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RobCrisp.co.uk

it might be easier to play using rebound but, are you streching before playing , check out corral calcium its a supplement , its only 11.19 at a health store.
if you tightin the shit out of your bass drum that will give you rebound and that will make it easier , streching for 20 seconds reach down and touch your toes.

jakedv8 wrote:

it might be easier to play using rebound but, are you streching before playing , check out corral calcium its a supplement , its only 11.19 at a health store.
if you tightin the shit out of your bass drum that will give you rebound and that will make it easier , streching for 20 seconds reach down and touch your toes.

I do stretch, although it's a hard muscle to get at. My physio showed me the best exercise to hit it though. Thanks!








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RobCrisp.co.uk

You could try Glucosamine/Chondroitin, Fish Oil, and Calcium supplements.
Look them up in med Journals.

Also, a lot of people on here probably wouldn't agree on this but, maybe your pedal is too tight, which is making you work too hard.
As well, do you hit and stop at the head, or do you allow the beater to rebound off the head.
In addition, raising your seat could help, if you sit too low.