Hey Guitarslinger, I wanted to suggest something to you that has been working out pretty well for me. I used to use one of those hand exercisers they sell at Guitar Center for about $15.00, where you work out each finger with buttons and springs. That was the WORST money I ever spent and I think it had a lot to do with my hand situation. after my acupuncture sessions, The acupuncturist had these chinese Spheres called Baoding balls, The chinese and martial arts guys use them for exercise and they are used in therapy. I bought some on Amazon.com and they are one of the best hand exercises I have ever done. It works out the musceles in the forearm, Hand, and Fingers in a gentle theraputic way. Great for guitar. They were only like $10.00 to $15.00 and the BEST money I ever spent. My hand feels better every day. You should look into it. What have you got to lose? $15.00

Weight training definitely has negative effects. Take it from one who did it for 45 yrs. Not a power lifter, but fairly heavy weights with both barbells and dumbells. Wish I had kept the exercising limited to non weight ones, iso's, stretching, and cardio stuff. My hands are OK, but the elbows and forearms pain continually. Upper back and neck pain too.

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