Drum Corner - Hand Cramps

Hand cramps used to be a big problem for me. It wasn't until I started talking to other drummers about it that I realized its a much larger problem than I thought. You're playing a big show, first song just ended crowd is going wild, you start jamming to the second song and all of a sudden your thumb is stuck to the palm of your hand. Spikes of pain are running though you. What do you do? How can you stop it from happening again?
The First thing to if this happens to you live is BREATH! You want to try and get as much oxygen to your hand as possible. You don't want to say fuck it and play thru the pain but you certainly can't stop mid song. Try playing mainly with your other hand for the song or even one handed if you are able too. When the song ends take a swig of water and keep breathing. The pain and cramp should go away pretty soon.
Now for some prevention. It is much easier and certainly less painful if you avoid this situation. There are several different things you can do. I recommend doing all of them.
First, buy drummers gloves. With that you spent on your drums I'm sure you have an extra $20 laying around someplace. I got the zildjian gloves from guitar center for no more than $25. What these gloves do is keep your muscles warm which prevents cramps. At first I thought it would be hard to play with gloves on but in fact they are very thin and extremely comfortable. Not only do they help to prevent cramps but they keep your hands from getting too torn up if you like it rough.
Second, warm up before the show. Letting your muscles loosen up is important not just to prevent cramps but also to improve your playing. You don't see pro football players go into a game without stretching, this is the same thing. Backstage, in your truck, where ever you are just practice. Some single strokes and paradiddles are good. Do them at varying speeds.
Lastly, stretch your fingers. Just like the football players this helps loosen you up. You also want to slowly massage your hands one at a time.
I hope this helps some of you out there. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them.

By Josh Smith