Klarinet Archive - Posting 000436.txt from 1996/08

From: "Nancy Barlar (MUSIC)" <nbarlar@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Neckstraps
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 1996 23:17:18 -0400

I apologize for being so late writing on this subject. I've been out of
town. I am one of the clarinetists out there that has to use a neckstrap
at times. I first noticed pain in my thumb, ignored it and eventually
wound up with pain in every place possible in my wrist. My first doctor
tried to treat me only for the tendonitis. It wasn't until I got a
second opinion two months later that it got better. I thought it might be
interesting for anyone teaching out there to know I was told that 75-85%
of all
females after the age of 20 sometime develop a loose joint at the base of
the thumb. Once my thumb was
put in a splint for everything but playing, my pain everywhere ended. I
no longer have to wear the splint or use a neckstrap at all times, but it
is very helpful to have and use whenever the first hint of pain.
So just something to remember is that where your worst pain is, isn't
necessarily where the source of the pain is.
I wouldn't put a neckstrap on someone who isn't having a problem but at a
complaint of thumb pain I would definitely suggest it as something to try.