Klarinet Archive - Posting 000559.txt from 1997/07

From: reedman@-----.com
Subj: Hand problems/Solutions
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 1997 19:01:28 -0400

I count myself lucky that I have never had any severe hand problems from playing. Through the
course of maintaining instruments for clarinetists over the years i have seen many players with
severe injuries and have tried to help provide solutions with various thumbrest positons and
manipulating keys.

I have one excellent solution that I will get to, but I have a couple of observations first.

Number one, it is absolutely clear that most hand problems are a result of what is termed
"repetitive stress syndrome" or "over use syndrome". Quite suimply, when the hand or fingers are
required to perfom the same motion over and over muscles and tendons fatigue. My understanding
of carpal tunnel is that the major nerve that runs through the carpal bones (wrist) is encased
in a protective sheath. It is the sheath that becomes inflamed and causes dibilitating pain.

The most obvious way to avoid this type of strain is to NOT practice for hours on end. I have a
customer and colleague ,Dr. Bob Markuson,(SP?) who is the foremost hand specialist for musicians
in the US. He has several recommendations.

Warm up BEFORE praticing. Do simple hand stretches to elongate the muscles. You may even
want to run warm water over your hands before practicing.

Break up your practicing. He suggests 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. In the interim 10
minutes do mental practicing. This mental discipline, IMO, will actually do as much good as the
physical repetition.

I have what many of my friends consider a rather bizarre attitude about playing. I call it
"Crack the cellophane and go". Meaning, just open a box of reeds, find one that is satisfactory
and just play the horn. I HAVE practiced hours and hours prior to auditions, but now I find the
mental preparation much more beneficial. I have mnimal time to practice and I have learned to be
extremely effecient in the way I pratice and learn. I think one of the unfortunate aspects of a
Conservatory education or training is that students are expected to practice 3 or 4 hours a day.
The emphasis is only put on amount of time, not quality or attention to appropriate practicing.

Also, it is very clear that EVERYONE has different physical concerns and instruments can
and should be individually adapted. Keys acan be bent, raised, lengthened, shortened for maximum
comfort and minimal hand motion. In many cases, I have simply reduced spring tension for players
that experience pain.

HOWEVER, the most obvious problem regarding hand pain comes from supporting the clarinet
with the right hand. Neck straps have provided a partial solution, but the angel often feels
odd or restrictive. Thumb braces alleviate some tension, but the support is still ultimately on
the hand.

At the clarinet conference I met Robert James who makes "THE WEIGHT LIFTER" instrument
support stand. I tried it and was amazed at the simplicity of the idea and the elegant design.
One simply rests the clarinet bell in a small, soft support device while playing. And, because
you are not locked into the stand in any way you can lift the bell if you like. I was also
amazed that I felt no difference in the tone production. I am not selling these and I have no
financial relationship with Mr. James at all. I just think this is a very fine product and
anyone with hand problems could not spend $52 more wisely.

He adverises in THE CLARINET magazine. His # is 1-800-345-8923

Clark W Fobes