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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000076.txt from 2005/11
From: Rhondda May <rmay@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [DR-L] oboe & carpal tunnel
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 18:04:27 -0500
I've never had (thank g!d) carpal tunnel syndrome, but a colleague of
mine in grad school did. She was told to wrap foam around the handles
of her knives, so that she didn't crunch her hand so tightly while
making reeds (hers was connected with a multi-day reed marathon + heavy
recital preparation).
I would also suggest something a bit unusual but something that I think
avoids most of the strain on the right thumb. I showed this to the MD
mentioned previously who does some consulting for the IDRS, and he
remarked that it was an intelligent solution and he couldn't see that
it would cause any other damage.
I approach the thumbrest with my thumb straight-on, not pulled to the
side and down. The weight of the oboe is transferred immediately into
the forearm and bypasses the hand completely. You'll get the idea if
you hold out your hand as though you're going to shake hands with
someone, and then push your thumb towards you with the forefinger of
your left hand.
This means you may need to put something soft under your thumbrest, and
you have to pay some attention to the right corner of the nail of the
right thumb, but I've been playing with this set-up for almost 30 years
and never had a problem with pain in my right hand from playing the
oboe.
I also use an adjustable thumbrest and have it about a quarter-inch
lower than the normal position.
I hope you find a solution, Alyssa - best of luck.
Rhondda May
Hong Kong
On 30 Nov 05, at 11:52 AM, 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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