Hello,
Since lately we had topic about warm up in osu!, I would like to share some useful knowledge about this. First of all, one disclaimer:
I will not give you any maps to warm up on, if you expect maps, this is wrong place to search for.
Guide in centered around theory of how your body and mind should prepare for playing high pressure and muscle load. Additionally I will provide videos of experienced person showing up how should look your warm up BEFORE you even start playing and while you are doing this.
1. Why warm up
Human body is not used to “tap” 200 bpm constantly without destroying your tendons. Exception goes for people who actively play sports with impact on the muscles and tendons of hands. For this you need to prepare so you lower any chance to get CTS / RSI due your actions. Let’s start from basic knowledge about CTS:
Basically before you even start playing you should optimize your workspace. Let’s assume you already done this, your position is optimized to allow your hands to move freely without creating artificial additional load for muscles. It's important if you want to save your hands and arms from devastation in long term gameplay.
Proper warm up should make your gameplay more enjoyable while lowering tiredness of your body and allowing you to slowly push limits in more safe way. Why only “more safe way”? Because there is no rule – each person body is different, each person body reacts different way for certain amount of load caused by playing high bpm / intensive maps / gimmick what require a lot of aiming hand movement. That simply explain why person X is able to play 240-260 bpm Double Time faster than person Y who struggle with 200 bpm nomod maps. For both players exist chance of getting CTS / RSI. Additionally there is no rule about "who get's this injures" - from facts we know that for example Azer / Index as players mainly focused on mid range bpm HR plays are affected by RSI, same as for example Reimu-desu as main Double Time player also got affected by it.
You should never come into this type of game with mindset "i am young, i will not get RSI". This type of injuries are very random and computer users have so far higest precentage chance to be affected. Now add to this fact, that you are repetitvely hitting 2 keys in one steady hand position and here it goes - even higher chance.
2. How to start – warming up your wrist, hand, fingers
I will let Dr Levi Harrison (with all my respect to his extreme knowledge and nice personality) explain way of warming up your hands:
For most players this might look “boring” / “unnecessary” but as player with medically diagnosed RSI Type 2 (foreign body in soft tissue of the fourth phalanx) which is my main tapping finger (I am ring + index player) – this exercises helped me a lot to relax and lower pain created by playing higher bpm a lot. It actually took me back to playing this game after I was almost unable to even properly write on keyboard. Don’t ask me about surgery things in my case, it’s not the point.
Main thing of this point is that as someone already affected by RSI i try to visualize you that this isn't something what you should ever ignore and disrespect. Better spend 5 min exercising your hands each hour of gameplay and be safe than ignore this and put yourself on potential injury.
I recommend doing this exercises every 45-60 min of your gameplay. Remember – being in good health will only rise satisfaction from game.
3. Warming up in game
First of all - before you ever start, ask yourself - am i good mindset? I am not asking about "stupid meme mindset, fuck this kids, really, don't listen to them". Right mindset mean that you can focus mainly on gameplay, put your eyes on screen, follow what is going on and will not get distracted by things outside your mind-zone. Why this is important - focusing on how you play makes huge difference in how much time getting your muscle memory into state "when you finished playing last time" will take. Same as your progress later on. Before you start playing, i recommend to you to fix your real life issues which may cause great distraction to your mind and take you away from focusing on gameplay.
If you check pro players like Doomsday, Rafis, Wilchq, all of them normally for warm up uses maps what they already FCed with high accuracy but they are on their skill level. Main reason of this by logic is to “wake up” your muscle memory in fastest possible way. How it works: By playing maps what you already FCed and they belong to your actual skill level, you force your muscle memory to reproduce movements, wake up and help you in making same play one more time. For example: as player who normally play 4.8-5* maps, I use 4,6-4,7* already FCed songs to warm up. If you check for example Wilchq, he uses a 5,5-5,8* maps while he normally play maps 5,8-6*+. From observation you will notice that this players normally FC (or shitmiss) this maps and move to another one.
Basically, you want yourself to come back into state where you was while playing maps what you FC and move forward while pushing your skill set into higher more difficult maps. Sounds logical right? That’s how it works.
4. What to NOT do – few words for newbies
You guys tend to spam over and over maps too hard for you and think it will help your progression, it will help you warm up. Your logic works like “if I play this 6* deathstream map, I will be good for easier streams” – nothing more wrong.
Let’s move into theoretical way of your action. As a player unable to properly play, read, aim and follow this crazy 6* deathstream maps, you react on circles appearing on screen and mash buttons. This creates a very dangerous for your overall gameplay bad habit called “button mashing” – reaction based tapping due lack of ability to read, follow and aim a map.
Let’s not forget – osu! Is a rhythm game which require from you a sense of rhythm slowly developed by playing maps on your level and progressing forward by making high accuracy FC on all maps on your way.
If you decide to use this maps – I DO NOT RECOMMEND doing this. To be clear, you are destroying your way of being a godlike player and having fun on your own decision.
5. Few words at the end
Main purpose of this mini-guide is visualize you that warming up is not a process what you think looks like “play 3-4 too hard for me maps and rdy”. Specially in care of your health I placed a paragraph for physical exercises. Rest is created from my pure observations and personal experience.
6. Q & A (will be updated while people ask good and logical questions worth placing here)
So far empty, will update in time.
=======================================
Changelog:
- Added basic informations about RSI injury
Since lately we had topic about warm up in osu!, I would like to share some useful knowledge about this. First of all, one disclaimer:
I will not give you any maps to warm up on, if you expect maps, this is wrong place to search for.
Guide in centered around theory of how your body and mind should prepare for playing high pressure and muscle load. Additionally I will provide videos of experienced person showing up how should look your warm up BEFORE you even start playing and while you are doing this.
1. Why warm up
Human body is not used to “tap” 200 bpm constantly without destroying your tendons. Exception goes for people who actively play sports with impact on the muscles and tendons of hands. For this you need to prepare so you lower any chance to get CTS / RSI due your actions. Let’s start from basic knowledge about CTS:
Carpal Tunnel Theory
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of compression of the median nerve.
The median nerve runs from your forearm through a passageway in your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, with the exception of your little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of your thumb (motor function).
In general, anything that crowds, irritates or compresses the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, a wrist fracture can narrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerve, as can the swelling and inflammation resulting from rheumatoid arthritis.
In many cases, no single cause can be identified. It may be that a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition.
A number of factors have been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Although by themselves they don't cause carpal tunnel syndrome, they may increase your chances of developing or aggravating median nerve damage. These include:
- Anatomic factors. A wrist fracture or dislocation that alters the space within the carpal tunnel can create extraneous pressure on the median nerve.
People with smaller carpal tunnels may be more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Nerve-damaging conditions. Some chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, increase your risk of nerve damage, including damage to your median nerve.
- Inflammatory conditions. Illnesses that are characterized by inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the tendons in your wrist, exerting pressure on your median nerve.
- Alterations in the balance of body fluids. Fluid retention, common during pregnancy or menopause, may increase the pressure within your carpal tunnel, irritating the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome associated with pregnancy generally resolves on its own after pregnancy.
- Other medical conditions. Certain conditions, such as menopause, obesity, thyroid disorders and kidney failure, may increase your chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Workplace factors. It's possible that working with vibrating tools or on an assembly line that requires prolonged or repetitive flexing of the wrist may create harmful pressure on the median nerve or worsen existing nerve damage.
The median nerve runs from your forearm through a passageway in your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, with the exception of your little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of your thumb (motor function).
In general, anything that crowds, irritates or compresses the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, a wrist fracture can narrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerve, as can the swelling and inflammation resulting from rheumatoid arthritis.
In many cases, no single cause can be identified. It may be that a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition.
A number of factors have been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Although by themselves they don't cause carpal tunnel syndrome, they may increase your chances of developing or aggravating median nerve damage. These include:
- Anatomic factors. A wrist fracture or dislocation that alters the space within the carpal tunnel can create extraneous pressure on the median nerve.
People with smaller carpal tunnels may be more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Nerve-damaging conditions. Some chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, increase your risk of nerve damage, including damage to your median nerve.
- Inflammatory conditions. Illnesses that are characterized by inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the tendons in your wrist, exerting pressure on your median nerve.
- Alterations in the balance of body fluids. Fluid retention, common during pregnancy or menopause, may increase the pressure within your carpal tunnel, irritating the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome associated with pregnancy generally resolves on its own after pregnancy.
- Other medical conditions. Certain conditions, such as menopause, obesity, thyroid disorders and kidney failure, may increase your chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Workplace factors. It's possible that working with vibrating tools or on an assembly line that requires prolonged or repetitive flexing of the wrist may create harmful pressure on the median nerve or worsen existing nerve damage.
Some usefull information about RSI
The term RSI covers a myriad of complaints. There are almost as many RSIs as there are movable parts of the human body. This article will focus predominantly on those that are caused by working environments, sports and modern technological devices.
RSIs are conditions associated with repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression and sustained or awkward positions.
General terms applied to RSIs include repetitive stress injury, repetitive motion injuries, repetitive motion disorder (RMD), cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), occupational overuse syndrome, overuse syndrome and regional musculoskeletal disorder.
Other, more colloquial terms for modern RSIs include Blackberry thumb, iPod finger, PlayStation thumb, Rubik's wrist or cuber's thumb, stylus finger, raver's wrist and Emacs pinky.
Here are some key points about RSI. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
- RSIs come in a vast array of different forms.
- Each RSI might require different courses of action to treat and prevent.
- The first medical practitioner to talk about RSIs did so in 1700.
- Modern technological devices have caused an upswing in RSIs.
- Repetitive motions in one anatomical region can affect musculature in a separate area of the body.
- Psychological stress and monotony can worsen the symptoms of RSIs.
- Workplace ergonomics can prevent a wide array of RSIs.
- In some cases, medication and even surgery can ease symptoms.
RSIs are conditions associated with repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression and sustained or awkward positions.
General terms applied to RSIs include repetitive stress injury, repetitive motion injuries, repetitive motion disorder (RMD), cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), occupational overuse syndrome, overuse syndrome and regional musculoskeletal disorder.
Other, more colloquial terms for modern RSIs include Blackberry thumb, iPod finger, PlayStation thumb, Rubik's wrist or cuber's thumb, stylus finger, raver's wrist and Emacs pinky.
Here are some key points about RSI. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
- RSIs come in a vast array of different forms.
- Each RSI might require different courses of action to treat and prevent.
- The first medical practitioner to talk about RSIs did so in 1700.
- Modern technological devices have caused an upswing in RSIs.
- Repetitive motions in one anatomical region can affect musculature in a separate area of the body.
- Psychological stress and monotony can worsen the symptoms of RSIs.
- Workplace ergonomics can prevent a wide array of RSIs.
- In some cases, medication and even surgery can ease symptoms.
Basically before you even start playing you should optimize your workspace. Let’s assume you already done this, your position is optimized to allow your hands to move freely without creating artificial additional load for muscles. It's important if you want to save your hands and arms from devastation in long term gameplay.
Proper warm up should make your gameplay more enjoyable while lowering tiredness of your body and allowing you to slowly push limits in more safe way. Why only “more safe way”? Because there is no rule – each person body is different, each person body reacts different way for certain amount of load caused by playing high bpm / intensive maps / gimmick what require a lot of aiming hand movement. That simply explain why person X is able to play 240-260 bpm Double Time faster than person Y who struggle with 200 bpm nomod maps. For both players exist chance of getting CTS / RSI. Additionally there is no rule about "who get's this injures" - from facts we know that for example Azer / Index as players mainly focused on mid range bpm HR plays are affected by RSI, same as for example Reimu-desu as main Double Time player also got affected by it.
You should never come into this type of game with mindset "i am young, i will not get RSI". This type of injuries are very random and computer users have so far higest precentage chance to be affected. Now add to this fact, that you are repetitvely hitting 2 keys in one steady hand position and here it goes - even higher chance.
2. How to start – warming up your wrist, hand, fingers
I will let Dr Levi Harrison (with all my respect to his extreme knowledge and nice personality) explain way of warming up your hands:
For most players this might look “boring” / “unnecessary” but as player with medically diagnosed RSI Type 2 (foreign body in soft tissue of the fourth phalanx) which is my main tapping finger (I am ring + index player) – this exercises helped me a lot to relax and lower pain created by playing higher bpm a lot. It actually took me back to playing this game after I was almost unable to even properly write on keyboard. Don’t ask me about surgery things in my case, it’s not the point.
Main thing of this point is that as someone already affected by RSI i try to visualize you that this isn't something what you should ever ignore and disrespect. Better spend 5 min exercising your hands each hour of gameplay and be safe than ignore this and put yourself on potential injury.
I recommend doing this exercises every 45-60 min of your gameplay. Remember – being in good health will only rise satisfaction from game.
3. Warming up in game
First of all - before you ever start, ask yourself - am i good mindset? I am not asking about "stupid meme mindset, fuck this kids, really, don't listen to them". Right mindset mean that you can focus mainly on gameplay, put your eyes on screen, follow what is going on and will not get distracted by things outside your mind-zone. Why this is important - focusing on how you play makes huge difference in how much time getting your muscle memory into state "when you finished playing last time" will take. Same as your progress later on. Before you start playing, i recommend to you to fix your real life issues which may cause great distraction to your mind and take you away from focusing on gameplay.
If you check pro players like Doomsday, Rafis, Wilchq, all of them normally for warm up uses maps what they already FCed with high accuracy but they are on their skill level. Main reason of this by logic is to “wake up” your muscle memory in fastest possible way. How it works: By playing maps what you already FCed and they belong to your actual skill level, you force your muscle memory to reproduce movements, wake up and help you in making same play one more time. For example: as player who normally play 4.8-5* maps, I use 4,6-4,7* already FCed songs to warm up. If you check for example Wilchq, he uses a 5,5-5,8* maps while he normally play maps 5,8-6*+. From observation you will notice that this players normally FC (or shitmiss) this maps and move to another one.
Basically, you want yourself to come back into state where you was while playing maps what you FC and move forward while pushing your skill set into higher more difficult maps. Sounds logical right? That’s how it works.
4. What to NOT do – few words for newbies
You guys tend to spam over and over maps too hard for you and think it will help your progression, it will help you warm up. Your logic works like “if I play this 6* deathstream map, I will be good for easier streams” – nothing more wrong.
Let’s move into theoretical way of your action. As a player unable to properly play, read, aim and follow this crazy 6* deathstream maps, you react on circles appearing on screen and mash buttons. This creates a very dangerous for your overall gameplay bad habit called “button mashing” – reaction based tapping due lack of ability to read, follow and aim a map.
Let’s not forget – osu! Is a rhythm game which require from you a sense of rhythm slowly developed by playing maps on your level and progressing forward by making high accuracy FC on all maps on your way.
If you decide to use this maps – I DO NOT RECOMMEND doing this. To be clear, you are destroying your way of being a godlike player and having fun on your own decision.
5. Few words at the end
Main purpose of this mini-guide is visualize you that warming up is not a process what you think looks like “play 3-4 too hard for me maps and rdy”. Specially in care of your health I placed a paragraph for physical exercises. Rest is created from my pure observations and personal experience.
6. Q & A (will be updated while people ask good and logical questions worth placing here)
So far empty, will update in time.
=======================================
Changelog:
- Added basic informations about RSI injury
