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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000073.txt from 2005/11
From: "Miriam Williams" <mwquacker@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [DR-L] oboe & carpal tunnel
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 15:21:03 -0500
This sounds like a great idea!
I met Dr. Dawson, who has been a contributor to the Doublereed Journal,
at IDRS conference, who was kind enough to talk with me about my thumb joint
pain; not the same as carpal tunnel, but still makes playing (and other
activities, such as holding a reed knife, painful). He said this particular
joint problem occurs more frequently and earlier in women, and is
progressively debilitating. Sometimes the joints ache without any activity.
I've been helped very much by Michael's Ultimate Thumb Saver (by Michael
Benthin), a support which holds the weight of the instrument at the balance
point of the oboe, just below the thumb rest and across from the F key. It's
very portable and easy to use. I've been considering
moving the thumb rest to make the adjustment in hand position Hinrich
suggested below.
I think muscle strenghthening exercises are good also. I also use Arnica gel
which I apply 2 times a day to the sore area. It's available over the
counter at places which sell naturopathic type products and inexpensive. I'm
no longer 40-something, and want to be able to play (and do other
activities) without pain. These things have helped very much.
Hope this helps,
Miriam
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hinrich" <hlmuller@-----.com>
To: <doublereed@-----.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2005 2:39 AM
Subject: Re: [DR-L] oboe & carpal tunnel
> 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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