Klarinet Archive - Posting 000505.txt from 1997/07

From: YeomanHuff@-----.com
Subj: Re: aching hands/ lettering
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 1997 13:57:19 -0400

In a message dated 97-07-16 02:47:58 EDT, TaeAnne@-----.com writes:

<< 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.
>>

Oh, I know I am opening up a can of worms that has been opened in the past,
but here are my thoughts:

1. Knees. I play double lip and have been using my knees ever since, but
many single lip players also go for the knees just to get the weight of the
horn off of your thumb. When I've had to stand and play, I've used a neck
strap, but it does not eliminate near the weight that my knees do. It has
been brought up that if you are tall, using your knees can put strain on your
back, thereby not helping your arms and wrists, but as I am short, I can't
say. I have eliminated all tension in my arms, back, hands, wrists, and
fingers and can practice easily six hours a day without any pain at all. My
upper lip is usually my practice stopper. :)

2. Along those lines, let me state or restate the obvious: Find a teacher
who can teach you the correct hand, arm, and wrist position that will
eliminate all tension for you. This is not something you can read about and
then go figure out at home: It is a long, continuous process between you and
your teacher. Everyone is shaped differently, and thinks differently, so it
can easily take over two years to get that beautiful hand position and
technique. But... let me say that it is worth the trouble! What is a
couple of years in terms of your clarinet-playing life and risk of permanent
wrist damage?

Teri Herel.