Help: bowling thumb pain/callus issue [video]
Hi,
Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I've been having issues with my thumb hurting and I was hoping for some help. Any inputs at all would be greatly appreciated.
Here's the link to my video: https://youtu.be/IyP_zlCKxKY
Quick background:
- I started bowling in September because of a league and now i'm addicted...
- I used to bowl 3-5 times a week but I had slowed down to 2 times a week because of my thumb issue.
- I used to pull the ball and muscle the release. I also only inserted the tip of my thumb. I never had any issues beside my forearm getting sore the next day. Ever since I started bowling "correctly", my thumb had been killing me.
Issues:
- inner thumb callus where the joint is.
- thumb gets a little swollen the day after bowling.
Do not do:
- Gripping the ball. I keep my thumb as straight as possible so no gripping here.
What I had tried:
- different starting hand positions.
- wrapping the ball behind my back less.
- bowling tape- helps a little but still hurts.
Arsenal:
- Optimus Solid 15#
- Hammer Spike 15#
Thanks!!!
There is no obvious mechanical problem with how you release the ball in the video.Originally Posted by zupervinn
It's just a guess, but I'd say probably the fit of the holes aren't quite right for how you are holding the ball now.
If you're anything like me, try taking two Benadryl about 20 minutes before bowling.
You'll sleep right through your scheduled bowling time.
Do that often enough, and you've cured your addiction.
You need to go to a Proshop. You have major thumb issues if you're not, or cannot insert your thumb all the way in.
I'm very sure you are gripping the ball even if you say your not. just by what you said, it most likely you have the wrong fit.
Here's a test, hold the ball the normal way you hold it. Now let the ball hand on your side pocket and 100% relax your arm and hand. It doesn't fall you're good. If you apply any pressure go back to the PSO.
Mike,
Thanks for the prompt response. It was hurting before because my span was a little stretched. I had it shorten a little and problem is still there. I dont want to cheat on my current pro shopbut I might just take it to another shop to get their opinion.
About the benadryl, I will probably still go bowling haha i love it. I have bowl through a bloody thumb and a sprained wrist. I think I can take a couple of benadryl haha
Fokai,
I do insert my thumb all the way in now. It was before that i only inserted the tip of my thumb.
Regarding the test, i just tried it and the ball does not fall.
When you go to the pro shop, what you're looking for is correct pitches (angles the holes are drilled into the ball).Mike,
Thanks for the prompt response. It was hurting before because my span was a little stretched. I had it shorten a little and problem is still there. I dont want to cheat on my current pro shop
About the benadryl, I will probably still go bowling haha i love it. I have bowl through a bloody thumb and a sprained wrist. I think I can take a couple of benadryl haha
Most pro shops seem to focus on how your had goes into the ball, and then holds on to it.
You pain comes from how your hand comes out of the ball.
Wrong angles, and it forces your fingers to quickly bend in ways they don't want to bend, but the force doesn't last long, so you might not identify it.
As you repeat the process over and over, the fingers realize you didn't get the little hints of pain, so they start complaining loudly.
The ball holds on the hand, not the other way around. The hand should be relaxed no pressure. Making the thumb straight is adding muscle and will affect your swing. Or, if you have a wrong fit or not using tape properly, this will affect a clean release and affect timing as well. The hand should be totally relaxed and with the proper fit, this can be achieved. This will improve your consistency, accuracy, and also improve revrate.
Mike,
Make sense. I will go and ask them about the pitches. I believe it's at 0. just straight down right now.
I was just reading about pitches after seeing your post. I dont have difficulty with hanging to the ball but I do have difficulty with thumb clearing. seems like i need some reverse pitch to help clear the thumb during release.
Fokai,
I didnt know that making my thumb straight will cause issues too. I will try completely relaxing my thumb next time. I had issue with gripping before that is why i put pressure to the wall of the ball with thumb nail to prevent gripping.
My thumb fit is tight and my thumb pitch is forward (towards the palm) which helps hang on to the ball without effort.
My thumb fit and timing is a feel thing. I know if my fit is too tight or loose. Yes I like it tight, but not too tight it stays on too long. Also, too loose, then the thumb will exit the hole too early. My thumb starts to exit the thumb hole as my hand passes my ankle. (By my laces)
The thumb is real important to me and many bowlers use thumb molds or Interchangable thumbs to get the same feel. I'm old school and use traditional thumbs slugs and I work on my balls in the garage.
The thumb is unique to each individual, it's like this...
My son and I wear size 10.5 E shoes. But the foot print, or how our inserts are formed with each foot, is created uniquely. Just like our flip flops too, same size, color, and brand. But the moment I put on the pair of flip flop, I can tell if it's mine or his.
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