Klarinet Archive - Posting 000408.txt from 1996/08

From: Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: carpal tunnel
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 1996 18:05:00 -0400

On Mon, 12 Aug 1996 niethamer@-----.EDU wrote:

> The neurologist (a very sympathetic music lover) gave me two bits of
> advice which were helpful and interesting.
>
> 1.) "Orthopedic surgeons are the jocks of the medical profession - they
> *love* to cut" (his words, not mine!)
>
> 2.) "Surgery will have one of three results. You might get better. Maybe
> nothing will happen. Or, *you might get worse*" I did nothiong, and a few
> years later found a good physical therapist, who helped me to work
> through the problem.
>
> > 3. The ice packs, etc. may help some of the symptoms, but a good therapy
> > regimen could cure the actual problem.
>
> In my post about this aspect of the problem I should have been more
> complete. My PT gave me an exercise regimen, and prescribed the ice to
> treat symptoms of flare-ups as necessary. But the ice only treats the
> symptoms - treating the causes and solving the problems are more
> important (IMO).
>
> David Niethamer
>
I had the same experience, although I was told I had "really great bone
structure" (how flattering). I have found that solving your own
mechanical or physiological stressors is really the only thing to do.
The less aggravation while playing, the less pain you will have, and
fewer flare-ups. It sounds simple, but it has taken me quite a long
time. The threat of cortisone shots into the entire joint of my thumb
(by this time, I had given up on having a doctor help with the nerve
problems!) was a great incentive. Those flexible ice packs are real
handy too.

Jacqueline