Last month I wrote about the many effects of vibration on the body and on the arms and hands. Drummers are particularly susceptible to vibration and it’s effects in a number of places, through there feet, seat and through there hands and wrists.
The effects of vibration exposure in the hands and wrists are well documented in the medical literature. Excessive vibration exposure can lead to nerve injury in the wrists and hands such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Excessive vibratory exposure can also contribute to the development of tendonopathies within the forearms.
The million-dollar question has always been, how do we reduce the exposure to vibration without loosing the feel or grip of the stick. Drummers have used a variety of methods to improve grip on the sticks as well as attempting to reduce vibration exposure.
Over the past few years a number of stick manufacturers have developed sticks to attempt to reduce vibration. Zildjian was the first to my knowledge to market an anti-vibe drumstick. Their anti-vibe sticks were tested before and after adding the Anti-Vibe insert (proprietary technology) and found a vibration reduction of approximately 50%. They also felt that since wood was an organic material, the results might vary from stick to stick.
Zildjian could not make any claims towards the health benefits of there Anti-Vibe stick however.
The basic concept behind the HORNETS drumstick design was to combine art with ergonomics and function. Hornet sticks have incorporated a number of functional benefits into the design of the stick. The contoured handle fits more naturally into the shape of the hand than does a straight traditional stick. The raised handle reportedly allows the thumb to relax, reducing strain on the forearm tendons and simultaneously increasing stamina. The patented use of o-rings are claimed to reduce vibration and shock to the wrist. O-rings also can act as an excellent grip. When the hand becomes sweaty they can help prevent the stick from slipping.
Although there is no scientific data that I have been able to reference supporting the medical benefits of these sticks, I have recommended the use of these sticks in many patients with nerve or tendon injuries. The vast majority reports a definite benefit with their use even though antidotally. Further research needs to be conducted specifically measuring the beneficial effects these sticks may provide.
In addition to sticks, gloves can be worn not only to provide improved grip on the stick but also to absorb some of the vibration transferred from the drumhead through the stick and into the hands. Drumming gloves are now marketed by a number of manufacturers, however the use of basic baseball batting gloves will serve the same purpose.
Vibration is the foundation by which sound is produced when a drumhead is struck by a stick or by the hand. By reducing some of that vibration that is transferred through the various parts of our bodies while playing will inevitably reduce our risks of vibration induced injuries to our tendons and nerves.
Dr. Luga Podesta is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, practicing orthopedic sports medicine and rehabilitative medicine in Thousand Oaks, California, specializing in the non-surgical treatment of the upper extremities, knee, and spine. He is a sports medicine consultant and team physician for Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels and serves as head team physician for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League, Los Angeles Riptide of Major League Lacrosse and is a drummer. Dr. Podesta can be reached at [email protected].