Author Topic: Ways to reduce thumb swelling? (Read 10041 times)

TJFreaky24 · « **on:** February 13, 2005, 11:14:27 AM »

ok, here's the scenario. I have a match play tournament this upcoming weekend. I have league on saturday morning which consists of 3 games. I then have to bowl 2 hours later in another 3 games. If I lose my match, I'll have to bowl another 3 that day. That will put me up to 9 on the day. Now, since I have a 2 hour break between my league and the tournament, I was wondering if there was anything I could do to reduce the swelling on my thumb slightly, so that it doesn't bust open. Any suggestions or should I just keep the new skin close and hope for the best?
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a_ak57 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2005, 07:17:19 PM »

Assuming your grip is correct and you experience little pain, get a bag of ice. It will shrink your thumb. The side effect is your skin will become a little softer, which is why you should only do it if your grip is perfect and you wouldn't rip yourself up.
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- Andy

pin-chaser · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2005, 07:29:49 PM »

This trick was taught to me many years ago by a very good local bowler of that day. Lay a paper napkin single layer over the hole and force your thumb in and out of the thumb hole. Then fold the napkin in half and do the same, forcing the thumb in and out several times until it is easy to do. Then remove the napkin and test for size. This works every time by forcing the fluids out of the thumb and into the wrist. Usually this eliminates the swelling until the next break for me.
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jd1319 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2005, 08:28:37 PM »

different approach, make the thumb hole a little wider to accomidate for the swelling, and use tape early on to compensate for the increased size. You can work on the swelling, but if for whatever reason your thumb doesn't respond, your out of luck. With a larger hole, as your thumb swells, you just take out a piece of tape and are good to go.

However, if your not use to using the tape, you might have a bit of an adjustment period trying to get the tape right early on, but later in the day, it should be a perfect fit without the tape.

Overhand · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2005, 08:31:10 PM »

quote:
This trick was taught to me many years ago by a very good local bowler of that day. Lay a paper napkin single layer over the hole and force your thumb in and out of the thumb hole.

that works for me all the time...keep a hanky in the bag for this.

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mumzie · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2005, 09:55:02 PM »

Or get a thumb slug/oval your size, and keep your thumb in it while you're not bowling.
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Re-Evolution · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2005, 10:04:37 PM »

What works for me.

The napkin trick works well use to use it.
2 advil or other ibuprofen 1 hour before.
Elevate hand above heart between shots, I do this by propping my elbow up on the table and hold hand straight up.
Thumb oversized for room for tape.
I use full pieces of tape until just slightly loose the put 1/2 or 1/4 pieces in for fine adjust depending on how it feels. After a while you get to where you know exactly how much you need by just sliding your thumb in and out without your fingers in the ball.

I go through a ton of tape with this process some nights, but it keeps my release very consistent.

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DonSVO · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2005, 10:18:40 PM »

if i have a cotton undershirt on, i will jam my thumb into the slug with the shirt wrapped around it. leave it in for a bit, and remove and bowl. it will feel great.

also, become comfortable with tape adjustments. i have all my slugs just a bit larger than i should need, and slap about 4 pieces of black tape into the holes. it usually feels pretty good. then as i bowl, a piece here, a piece there... i woudl rather have 4-5 pieces of tape in the hole than have a hole too tight to even put one into.
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ambi1 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 13, 2005, 10:48:33 PM »

quote:
Or get a thumb slug/oval your size, and keep your thumb in it while you're not bowling.
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-- The way we see the problem is the problem.

That must be the modern way now eh mumzie, use to remember when we used potatoes..

Also have your thumb fitted right, if the fit is correct and release is correct, you should not have such a problem. A slightly bigger thumbsize adjusted with tapes is advisable..
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Edited on 2/13/2005 11:46 PM

TJFreaky24 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2005, 05:51:55 AM »

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll have to give em a try. More suggestions are welcome.
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I am the best kept secret....

Redemption has never been so sweet!!

Pat Patterson · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2005, 05:54:28 AM »

One that works for me is to decrease your sodium intake prior to bowling.
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Pat Patterson

azguy · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2005, 06:11:39 AM »

The sodium thing I think a lot of folks never think of. The bag of chips, pretzels, the fries...whatever you eat, much less drink. Salt will increase the fluids in your body, swelling is not much more than fluid retention in an area.

I like a small amount of ice in a small zip lock bag, in a cup, stick my thumb in it and it works well for me. Am going to have to try the napkin trick, sounds interesting. The house I bowl in temps go from hot as H...L to a cold night in Alaska..all in a 3 game set, so temps in the house will also effect your body as far as swelling.

my 2 cents are up
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JohnP · « **Reply #12 on:** February 14, 2005, 09:53:04 AM »

Using a Magic Carpet or Thumbillow allows your thumb to swell/shrink a little without affecting your release. I oversize the thumb hole by 1/16" for use with a 3/16" Thumbillow, or 1/32" for use with a Magic Carpet. -- JohnP

Author Topic: Ways to reduce thumb swelling? (Read 10041 times)

TJFreaky24

Ways to reduce thumb swelling?

a_ak57

Re: Ways to reduce thumb swelling?

pin-chaser

Re: Ways to reduce thumb swelling?

jd1319

Re: Ways to reduce thumb swelling?

Overhand

Re: Ways to reduce thumb swelling?

mumzie

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Re-Evolution

Re: Ways to reduce thumb swelling?

DonSVO

Re: Ways to reduce thumb swelling?

ambi1

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TJFreaky24

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Pat Patterson

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azguy

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JohnP

Re: Ways to reduce thumb swelling?