Any occupational therapist out there or physicians who can help me?

[Angelo M]

Unfortunately, a month ago, I developed left sided weakness, partial loss of use of my left hand and left side of the body, coordination, and the ability to walk to some extent. This is the result of a brain tumor. My left hand is all over the place and I’m trying to figure out a way to get back to playing chords and developing my left hand. If anybody out there have this problem and have any exercises that can help me? I assume a physician or an occupational therapist might be of benefit. I’m sure there are some out there in this group. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[JoLa]

Thank you for sharing this with us — your determination to get back to playing is truly inspiring. This community absolutely would like to support you, but for something this specific and medical in nature, we’d really encourage you to start with your neurologist and ask for a referral to an occupational therapist who specializes in neurological recovery. They’ll be able to design a safe, personalized plan for your hand that guitar forum advice simply can’t match. Once you’ve gotten some professional guidance and start making progress, we’d love to hear how it’s going and celebrate the recovery milestones with you!

🎸JoLa

[Angelo M]

I have an occupational therapist coming, but they don’t play guitar. I certainly understand the skepticism between lawyers and doctors. And I apologize for not stating in advance that I’m not asking for a medical opinion nor any physician patient relationship. I was just wondering if there were any miracle exercises that I could do which is probably very foolish on my porch for thinking there is. Really, I probably just need to try to play scales very slowly and try to place my fingers on chords and work on it as if I’m starting all over again. I just wish my hands didn’t slide from one for it to the other.
Thanks for all your help.

[Mark H]

Sorry to hear about that Angelo. I was wondering, being interested in neuro science and learning theory myself, whether you have noticed one or more of your other motor functions has improved since you started recovery after the event?

If so, what was it? And what were you doing before and during the improvement? That may give you some ideas. I would place my bet on simple repetition. But take it easy my friend.

[Angelo M]

Mark, my walking has improved somewhat, and I have begun to wean myself of the walker. My left hand and arm still functions poorly. I have burning pain in my arm and left hand as well as almost complete uselessness of my l eft fingers to some extent.
I have not attempted practice today, but I do see the occupational therapis today.
One of my biggest problems is concentration. My window of concentration is very small.

[Mark H]

Try this for regaining concentration. As soon as you realize you’re losing concentration, take a break, sit back, breathe normally.

While breathing normally, watch your breathing. Become aware of the sensation of the air going in past your nostrils. There are no rules as to how long to watch your breathing, so just stop whenever you want, it doesn’t matter.

Buddhists have been doing this for 3,000 years. I, as something of a “lapsed Buddhist”, still do it every day more or less.

[sunjamr]

If your left hand and fingers aren’t doing what your brain says to do, could you perhaps play using a slide? That way your arm and wrist can be doing most of the movement.

Sunjamr Steve

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