QuestionI have a nasty callous on base of my bowling thumb which prohibits me placing my thumb fully into my insert causing me to bowl really bad. Any ideas on how to remedy this callous situation without going to see a doctor?
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
Ed, One of my very first topics in my book True Bowler Adjustments was dedicated to this very topic. It is under the heading of "Beveling." When we bevel the finger or thumbhole for a bowler it is like customizing the ball to a perfect fit.
Ball drilling and fitting is an art. When someone places their hands, into our hands, we must be acute to the little adjustments that may need to be made later as the bowler settles into their game with a freshly fitted and drilled ball.
Early in my bowling career I experienced the same problem. A former senior PBA ball driller checked out my bowling ball, my hand, my span and my pitches. He found that everything was fine.
After that, he simply beveled the potion of the ball where the callous directly contacted the ball. He then asked me to squeeze, to see if I could still feel it. After a couple of fit checks and a couple more squeezes I no longer felt the pressure of the ball on that spot ever again. But to this day, I have to be mindful of "my fit."
This is a challenge to all bowlers. Our hands are different from person to person. Just as much as our releases are.
In summary Ed, lay off from bowling for a while if you can. This particular issue has to be taken care of immediately. Direct your pro shop staffer to check you out. Pitches, spans, etc. If all is well then ask him/her to try a little bevel where your ball contacts your thumb at that spot.
For some bowlers who may have thumb slugs in their bowling balls the edges of the slugs may raise up a bit off the ball extending the span just a little. To a lot of people this little bit can spell trouble. Especially, if they are bowlers who "do" squeeze the ball.
I have no doubt ball drillers do an excellent job of fitting. However, when a bowler notices there is a problem, you should feel free to come back to us, and seek our advice when needed.
I've witnessed bowlers who have dropped their ball on the approach several times because the pain shot up their arm from their thumb/hand and they just could not bowl anymore that night.
I just don't want you to be one of them! Of course you know what is coming next..."public service advisory."
"Under no circumstances should you take what I have shared with you, in place of seeking medical assistance for your injury!"
I love my bowling family, but the decision to seek medical attention should always be considered first. :-) My two cents. Of course. I would love to know how this turns out. Thanks Ed. Lay off for a few weeks, see a doctor if you need to. But, also see your pro shop and get some beveling if needed.
-Gary
Las Vegas,NV
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book!)
