Klarinet Archive - Posting 000759.txt from 1996/02

From: Teri Herel <EnsHerel@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Help! (Tendonitis)
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 12:59:43 -0500

In a message dated 96-02-25 11:07:41 EST, kp6185a@-----.edu writes:

>I agree with Nichelle Crocker, tension is the root of my tendonitis
>problems. If I watch how I hold my wrists when I drive and type I'm
>usually fine playing the clarinet (even without a neck strap), but if
>I'm tense (due to a midterm or personal problems) I end up in a lot of
>pain.

Having had tendonitis years ago, I have since spent hours in front of a
mirror perfecting a hand position that eliminates all tension. I could have
had the worst day you can imagine and be sight reading under pressure an
impossible part, but there will be no tension in my hands, fingers, or
wrists. (It's not bad for my technique, either!) As tendonitis has a
tendoncy to recur, I also write with felt-tipped pens, carry all cases with a
shoulder strap, and in general take it easy when doing non-clarinet related
work. I still spend a minimum of fifteen minutes a day in front of my mirror
checking things out. I have had no problems in the last six years. Oh yes,
I also hold the horn in my knees - I started this when I switched my
embouchre around the same time, but it does take the weight off of the wrist.

Teri Herel