Klarinet Archive - Posting 001208.txt from 1997/09

From: Mark Charette <charette@-----.com>
Subj: Diagnosis of my numb thumb
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 22:46:05 -0400

I mentioned that I had a numb thumb on the list a couple of weeks
ago. I received many replies - thank all of you. I did go to see
my friendly doctor, who was able to diagnose my ailment very quickly.

There is a nerve that runs through the joint where the thumb rest
lies. Most peoples' nerve in that location runs close to the middle of
the joint. Mine runs "high" (towards the forefinger), about 5 mm
higher than average. The thumbrest was compressing the nerve there.
Not a serious problem. The doctor said to get a thick cushion for
the thumbrest to spread out the pressure, and if I had any more
problems he'd carve out the cushion where the nerve lies.

I bought the thick Yamaha thumbrest cushion and haven't had any
problems in the past week.

At least, no problems with my thumb. My playing, however ...
--
Mark Charette | "This is a very democratic organization, so let's
charette@-----. All those who disagree with me, raise
Mika Systems, Inc.| their hands." - Eugene Ormandy
Webmaster of http://sneezy.mika.com/clarinet, The Clarinet Info Pages