Klarinet Archive - Posting 000326.txt from 1998/02

From: vjupton@-----.edu
Subj: tendonitis
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 21:39:48 -0500

I am a first year music education major. Twards the end of my first
semester I started experiencing pain when I was playing. Over winter
break the pain was so bad that I went to a dr. who said that i had
tendonitis. I was instructed to wear braces as much as possible and cut
down on my practice time. A friend of mine who used to play bass
clarinet for the richmond symphony also suggested that I get a neckstrap
for my instrument to take the pressure off my hands. I have been back at
school for four weeks and the pain has gotten worse and I have
experienced some swelling. Last week my professor told me to stop
wearing the braces and not to use the neck strap. Her reasoning for the
latter was that if I use it now I will have to use it the rest of my
playing career. Wearing the neckstrap doesn't bother me as I would
rather be able to play than have to quit. I was wondering if anyone out
there has experinced this and can give me some suggestions to help me
get through it. I have been using a heating pad to relax the muscles and
trying some flexing exercises. I am concerned because the pain is with
me for most of the day no matter what I am doing. Thanks for your help.
-Victoria