Klarinet Archive - Posting 000556.txt from 1997/07

From: nancy buckman <znjb@-----.net>
Subj: Re: carpal tunnel splints [was aching hands/ lettering]
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 1997 19:01:25 -0400

Hi,

I went for years trying braces, P.T., exercises, etc. After years of
pain and partial feeling and then total numbness, I submitted to the
surgeon's knife. I wish I had done in the first place. I know surgery
is a pretty radical answer to the problem, but the surgery took about an
hour and I had both hands done at the same time. Each incision is
about 1/2 inch each and they are in the crease between wrist and hand My
hands were in casts for a week and were much less uncomfortable than
when I was suffering with the original problem. I was out of work for
ten days. I did have weakness for about eight weeks after the surgery,
but nothing like the CTS caused. I began playing again four weeks after
the surgery for short periods of time and gradually increased the time
for the next eight weeks. It is now ten months since my surgery and I
am able to do anything I want to without braces and splints and limited
playing time. I know surgery isn't the answer for everyone, but it sure
is nice not to have to watch the clock and carry all that extra gear
around with me.

Enjoying my freedom,

Nancy

TaeAnne@-----.com wrote:
>
> I have a regular brace for CTS, which I wear mostly at night, but the doctor
> recommended the therapist make a splint for my thumb for use when playing.
> It immobilizes the upper joint in the position required for playing the
> clarinet. It was made to fit me while playing. It is fantastic and takes
> the pain out of the thumb joint and prevents the collapse which sometimes
> happens after 45 min or so (despite the neck strap). Hope this clarifies
> things.