Klarinet Archive - Posting 000147.txt from 1996/08

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Neckstraps
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 22:35:52 -0400

Barry,
You couldn't be more wrong with your conclusions. The fact that a
condition is finally DIAGNOSED has nothing to do with the fact that it
exists. People have been having strokes and heart attacks for millenia.
It is only relatively recently that an "attack of apoplexy" can be
differentiated into stroke, heart attack, etc. Musicians (and, indeed, all
other professionals) have always had medical problems specific to their
conditions. Ever wonder where the expression "dishpan hands" came from?
There used to be professional kitchen workers whose main job it was to
wash dishes. FOR HOURS A DAY!. And this was before latex gloves.
Garment workers were notorious for getting TB. It was called the
"tailor's disease". Miners have always gotten black lung disease. Well,
violinists have always had problems with their necks/backs, pianists
with fingers, etc. At least now we can methodicaly and sensibly treat
these conditions (to the extent possible, of course) and since we are now
attuned to the frequency of their occurrance and their symptoms, we can
be on the loookout for them and treat the incipient problems before they
become debilitating.

Fred Jacobowitz
Clarinet/Sax Instructor, Peabody Preparatory

On Tue, 6 Aug 1996, Barry Kruse wrote:

> One of the things that puzzled me back when repetitive motion syndrome
> started being a big deal about 15 years ago was that there was no
> indication that it was a major problem for musicians. After all, musicians
> have been doing repetitive digital motion for hundreds if not thousands of
> years before the typewriter was developed. I think I made the assumption
> that instrument ergonomics must have evolved over the centuries so that it
> wasn't a factor (a questionable assumption given my own experiences trying
> to play other instruments).
>
> Anyway, I think that the fact that a lot of us have gotten involved in
> activities that damage the carpal tunnel--typing, cycling, etc.--makes us
> more susceptible to any strains caused by the clarinet.
>
> I'd be interested to hear what the experience is among any older non-typing
> clarinet players.
>
> Barry Kruse
>
>
__
> Subject: Re: Neckstraps
> Author: XDPW41A@-----.com ( B HUDSON) at INTERNET
> Date: 8/6/96 9:01 AM
>
>
> A word on neckstraps from an aging beginner-- started the instrument two
> years ago at the age of 51.
>
> First. I finally have sufficient embouchure to sustain practice for more
> respectable periods of time, and second, I don't seems to be able to
> practice sitting down (no resting the bell against anything).
>
> I was developing a deep aching in the second joint of my thumb and some in
> the index finger of the right hand. As one who's raced bicycles and
> provided pretty rough and ready spinnaker crew in regional sailboat races
> my inclination was to ignor it until one morning I found I was haveing
> trouble closing the third right hand ring hole.
>
> Mike Cyzewski, my teacher, returned from his summer sojourn in Boone, NC in
> conjunction with the NC Symphony's summer residence with a BG neckstrap
> from Muncy Woodwinds. Voila-- no more pain. And for those without years of
> experience it seems to me that the strap helps support a good position of
> the insturment in therms of the angle at which I hold it.
>
> The first professional I saw using a strap-- the same BG strap I believe--
> was Ricardo Morales when he played with the Symphony last year in Boone.
> He also wore a brace supporting the right hand thumb.
>
> Could the need be related to the number of hours in the practise room :-)
>
> Bruce Hudson, xdpw41a@-----.com
>

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org