Klarinet Archive - Posting 000598.txt from 1996/09

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.EDU>
Subj: Carpal tunnel syndrome: Please help my student
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 1996 15:36:30 -0400

There have been several threads concerning carpal tunnel syndrome and
other related maladies, but I confess to not having paid much attention to
them because I had never suffered from these problems, nor had any of my
students. Now, however, I have a 16 year old student who plays both flute
and oboe who is suffering great pain due to CPS. In fact, at times she
not only can't play her instruments, but can't even hold a pencil to do
her homework.

A few days ago she went to a doctor, supposedly a hand specialist, who
told her she would have to give up music. Naturally, in addition to her
physical problems, she is emotionally devastated to think that she may
never be able to participate in the activity that she loves most.

The doctor says she is too young to have surgery because there would be
only a 25% chance for a successful result, and a better than 50% chance
that she would have to have the surgery repeated after a few years.

We are looking into alternative methods of suspending the oboe to relieve
her hands and wrists of the exertion of holding the instrument, but I
don't know whether it is possible that the condition can be so severe that
even this won't help.

She would be very much encouraged if I could relate to her any stories of
musicians who have successfully dealt with and overcome this problem or
related ones. Any anecdotal evidence that what she regards as a very
harsh judgement might not be permanent would be very helpful.

Also, any suggestions for alternative treatments would be greatly
appreciated.

BTW, the student's name is Rebecca Clarke. Thanks for any help and
encouragement you may be able to give her.

Ed Lacy
*****************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
*****************************************************************