Back in the 60s, when I used to play surf/rock, by the end of the summer I'd always end up with a large "lump" (over-developed muscle?) between the thumb and index finger on my left hand. I'd also usually have a blister on the inside edge of my left thumb. During the winter when I wasn't playing as much they would both go away.

My most painful "drumming" injury didn't happen while playing, but certainly made playing difficult. I broke the toe next to my big toe on my right foot in a swimming pool "incident" the afternoon before I had to play. Needless to say, each beat on the kick that night was a real "delight"!

Way before I really started playing drums, it occured to me that I may have a little sense for rythm, so at one parish trip, me and my friends made some improvised drums in the kitchen from my little djembe, my friend's tambourine and some lids. I was kickin' ass, man! My best solos ever Falling Do

After I finished playing I found out that my skin somehow cracked on one or two spots and that I've bleeded all over my djembe. Since then I've been calling myself "Bloody Drummer Gilnar" for some time.

From time to time I hit a snare rim with my knuckle or I hit my glasses with a stick. Nothing worse happened so far and I hope it won't!

Had a splinter come up and stick under my chin once, I now use electrical tape from the tip down about four inches to prevent flying splinters.

Then there`s the common out of shape sore tendons in the ankle, one time it kept me home bound for almost a week.

I`ve injured many of drum heads though !! (and one ride)

I was doing a small show in this location under renovation . after the first set i got up from the kit and jump down from the stage , only to plant my foot at full force on to a board with a rusty nail , talk about pain , the bass player had to pull the board from my foot . i did manage to finish the night but let me tell you i felt every note on the bass drum .

Nothing too serious, mostly just cuts and bruises.

I had a couple of bouts of sore elbows, but the worst was a broken finger (right index) that I somehow managed to smash (sober) against the rim of my snare so effectively that I broke it at the knuckle.

(My doctor took a look, gave it a tug and said, "Yes, it's broken. Do you want me to do anything?" I said, "not now".

I have played through lots of injuries that didn't happen at the drums. I cut my right hand badly on a garage door right before a gig, and had to keep wrapping it and tending it for the first half of the evening. Lots of blood.

Another time I had five screws removed from my right foot that had been there as a result of a car crash. Told to stay off my feet for two weeks, I played a weekend gig commencing two days later. (I had the bass drum cranked in my monitor for that one.)

Those were long nights.

Patrick

Carpal tunnel and many other repetitive stress injuries (RSI). Then I learned to loosen up on the sticks. I learned a lot from Joe Morello's (R.I.P.) 1st DVD. A natural approach to drums, (I think that is the title).

Now I stretch, drink plenty of water, take care of my body, and relax as I am playing.

I play with more power, speed , and endurace than ever before. It is all about technique.

Anyone suffering from RSI should check out Joe Morello's dvd, Jim Chapin (you tube) or seek out a good teacher.

I Stress relaxation and natural movement to all my studemts. It takes a while to learn, but it is why Elvin, Roy, and all the rest played and continue to play so wonderfully into their 80's.

I don't think I have ever truly injured myself drumming. I have had a few funny incidents tho.

A few weeks ago I smashed my arm off the wall during band practice mid song, hard enough that i jumped up from behind the kit. Almost went over the bass drum, singer was laughing hysterically.

Tripped and fallen over stands before.

But my all time favorite... I will call the sweatpants incident. Stepped over my drum throne, caught my sweatpants over the top of my floor tom leg, pulled the floor tom over right onto my leg and into my ride cymbal and bass drum. I went down onto my snare, toppled my throne over... It was a mess Still don't know how I didn't break anything...

most of the above and then some, since 1965 ive been beating up drums and my self for a long time still going like the ever ready bunny

Wow. You guys have some good war-stories. My only drumming injuries, really, have been lifting the skin off my left index finger knuckle. This would happen when not paying attention to my rim-shots. The only other real injuries were to my ego, when I would see a certain friend play. I would just want to throw my gear in the garbage (eventually, that would turn into inspiration).

Hope everyone has healed up.

B

PS - I had played with a half-cast on my left leg, when I was in 9th grade, but that wasn't a drumming injury.

almost forgot to mention...the dreaded "flaking chrome"!

Anyone who has owned a Ludwig Supra knows what I mean...Once that chrome flakes off it cuts through your skin like a razor. Had it happen to me on gigs and while in the middle of teaching a lesson. Not such a good impression when your drummer/teachers hands are bleeding all over the drums!