I am amazed at the cerebral nature of relearning how to move. With my hand, I find that trying to think about, and break down every nuance of moving a digit is helpful in getting that finger to move. When I maintain the right perspective, it’s fascinating, but it is also mentally exhausting. For example, I have been trying to flex my thumb to no avail, until I realized I had to rock the base of my thumb backwards before the first joint would bend forward. Yes, I have to mentally “tell” each joint what to do. Very very trippy!
I still can’t pick up a set of car keys with my left hand, so playing a guitar in a traditional format is impossible.
I continue to “experiment” with open guitar tunings and various methods of securing a slide to my left hand. I do find joy in making a little music, but I sometimes don't feel like learning a new instrument at this stage of the game!
In addition to exploring ideas for new songs, I have been going over my existing catalog and converting appropriate songs to a “slide” format.
You wouldn’t think a shoulder was that involved with holding a guitar, but it is.
My shoulder is still partially frozen, and the therapy movements hurt, but I have been feeling that joint release bit by bit. My friend Kelly left one of her portable message tables in my barn, and that is where I do most of my shoulder work.
I am the subject matter of a presentation my occupational and physical therapists are sharing with their peers, and I have been making little videos of my therapy innovations for them to use. I call these “Steve Tricks”. I made one of these in the downstairs of the barn. My occupational therapists said it looked like I made that clip in a “murder barn”. She is a big fan of murder mysteries. I guess that’s a cool thing? I don’t know.
