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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000071.txt from 2005/11

From: Hinrich <hlmuller@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [DR-L] oboe & carpal tunnel
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 03:40:31 -0500

Alyssa,

I don' suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, but I have always wondered
about the placement of the thumb rest on modern oboes (baroque oboes
don't have it). It seems to be in a place where it balances the
instrument, but it also seems to put the thumb in an unnecessary
awkward position.

Put your thumb in the position it is on your oboe, about opposite the
middle and ring fingers, if I am not mistaken. Now, move you thumb up
so it is opposite the index finger, and notice that your fingers will
move much more freely; at least that is my experience.

A few years ago I made a thumb rest that will raise your thumb to a
better position and also add about a quarter inch to the thickness of
the instrument, which seems to be a more 'natural' position. I have not
regretted the change and never had any problem with the slight shift in
balance.

Maybe this will help your problem. I don't manufacture or sell thumb
rests, but I can give you more information about it, if you like.

Greetings,
Hinrich

On Tuesday, Nov 29, 2005, at 19:52 US/Pacific, Alyssa Miller wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> I've been lurking on the listserv for a few years. I'm completing my
> BMus in April '06, and in the last year I've injured my right hand
> (practicing)... carpal tunnel seems to be the general consensus,
> although the medical system is failing me at this point. My fingers
> go numb and I get shooting pain from the wrist into the hand and into
> the underside of the forearm.
>
> I've spent the last 6 months retraining my hands to a more ergonomical
> position, and strengthening muscles and joints to try to keep the
> strain to a minimum... and it hasn't flared up since last May, but it
> seems to be getting worse again.
>
> Are there any other oboists out there on the list with this sort of
> injury that could offer suggestions? I don't want to lose the ability
> to play! I'm already working with a neckstrap and looking at getting
> an adjustable thumbrest for my horn.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Alyssa

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