Does anybody know if traditional grip can eventually cause carpal tunnel syndrome or a related disorder in your left hand after playing years of traditional grip?
Actually, does anybody know if MATCHED grip can cause injury? Either one? I'd be interested to know, since you always hear about piano players with wrist related disorders, but you never hear about drummers like that, hardly.
Thanks,
Kristina

Actually Kevlar Based heads (Falam, Tendura) are more the reasoning for Carpol tunnel. But a Matched Grip Right hand is also at risk since the motion is not as natural, though you could think of it as knocking on a door.

I remember from my high school days that our drum tech would say things like, "If you switch to kevlar heads with traditional grip, you'll break your wrist; you don't need to be doing that yet." I don't really think the was being literal, but perhaps sometimes wrist injuries can occur. I don't know if anybody has any experience with that or anything but if you or someone you know has could you tell us about it?

I'm going to have to say no to carpal tunnel. I'm not going to bother looking for the threads, but this has been discussed before, and there is no relation between drumming and getting carpal tunnel. As far as other injuries go, I suppose it's possible, but I doubt solely because you're using traditional grip.

I know that if you're playing traditional with incorrect technique then your wrist will start to hurt, if that happens then dont continue otherwise you could hurt yourself. I think the bigger risk is not warming up before you try and ram notes. I was practicing a marimba solo at 208bpm without warming up and I sprained my right wrist pretty bad, it hurt and I couldn't play for a couple days I even had to switch solos.

Just about any musician can experience wrist problems and or carpel tunnel later on in life. Many of the professional musicians I have known have ended up with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome due to their profession. I've also had wrist problems, but it's mostly been due to my extensive flute work (I played professional for quite a few years). I've had one incident with my wrist (left) when drumming, but it was due to the fact that we had our heads cranked during first tour in 2001, then lowered the tension considerably to get the desired sound. The change in tension demanded a slight change in approach, it caused some discomfort for much of the snareline.

Always focus on technique, listen to your body, and don't hesitate to consult a physician if there is pain and discomfort.