Klarinet Archive - Posting 000500.txt from 1997/07

From: Gary Young <gyoung@-----.com>
Subj: RE: carpal tunnel splints [was aching hands/ lettering]
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 1997 13:57:14 -0400

TaeAnn--

My understanding is that splints are to wear only at night, i.e. when
sleeping, to prevent your wrist from inadvertently assuming a position
which will increase the pressure on the median nerve. I've got carpal
tunnel syndrome in my right wrist, and wear a splint at night, but never
when playing (I do use a neck strap, and have finally come to like it).
Perhaps your splint is a different kind from mine, and in any event if
your PHYSICIAN (as opposed to your physical therapist -- sorry) says it's
OK to wear it when playing, then I'd follow his/her advice.

But I think the general rule is stated in Repetitive Strain Injury, by Emil
Pascarelli and Deborah Quilter (at pp. 74-75):

"[I]mmobility can prolong, or make chronic, an injury that would have
healed if the normal movement were allowed. ...in soft tissue injury
certain gentle movements are necessary for proper healing. ...If splints
are used for carpal tunnel syndrome, they should be worn only at night,
unless your physician tells you otherwise. Splints are worn at night to
prevent people from flexing their wrists in their sleep. ...Splints
alleviate pain somewhat, so people get hooked on them. This problem could
be avoided entirely if there were more effort placed on stretching and
strengthening the muscles. ...Rather than relying on a crutch, learn to
let your own muscles support you. One patient described knowing the
correct position of her arms as 'mental splinting.' ..."

Perhaps Diane Karius and others on this list with professional expertise in
this area could give their advice about when it is appropriate to play with
a splint. I'd hate to see people on the list play with their hand splinted
if that was going to be harmful.

Gary Young
Madison, Wisconsin

----------
From: TaeAnne@-----.com]
Subject: Re: aching hands/ lettering

In addition to the neck strap, clarinetists need to watch out for Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome and right thumb joint strain from the weight of the
clarinet.
I am currently in physical therapy for carpal, and the therapist has made
me
a marvelous splint for my right thumb (which starts just above the thumb
joint so it doesn't interfere with the thumb rest. This coupled with the
neck strap is enabling me to continue practicing while I heal. I will
probably never give up the splint or the neck strap, both are outstanding.

   
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