Klarinet Archive - Posting 000799.txt from 1996/02

From: Teri Herel <EnsHerel@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Help! (Tendonitis)
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 1996 00:41:31 -0500

In a message dated 96-02-26 13:01:39 EST, niethamer@-----.BITNET writes:

>1.) A shoulder strap has the potential to create tension in the shoulder,
>which can transfer to the arm, wrist, fingers. My physical therapist
>advised me to lose my shoulder strap for my case, and I did so. As she
>pointed out, the muscles in the hand and arm are stronger (when properly
>exercised) and can stand the weight of even a heavy double case better.

Interesting. I have been advised the opposite.

>2.) Holding the horn with your knees rounds over the shoulder and
>upper arm muscles, and overstretches those muscles, causing hand problems
>to all but the few folks whose torso size and arm length create the
>perfect posture with the clarinet in this position. Even if it doesn't
>cause muscle problems, the E-B and F-C are affected for pitch and sound
>quality.

You have got to be kidding! I must be one of those few. As I said, I have
eliminated tension and no longer have a problem. Perhaps the best solution
is for each individual to work with their own doctor.

>
>In addition to working out the tension in the hands, wrists and arms,
>exercise to strengthen these muscle groups, and proper posture ( and a
>good chair, for when your playing is to be seated) go a long way to
>eliminating muscle problems/tendonitis or any of its fancier or more
>correct diagnoses.
>
>David Niethamer

Well, we agree on the chair!
Teri Herel