Klarinet Archive - Posting 000381.txt from 1998/07

From: "line ringuette" <lringuet@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Tendonitis
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 19:34:00 -0400

Hi there!

I do agree with the last 2 posts on tendonitis (splinting and exercise). I
have had it for a long time too (have also gone for the e.m.g. tests - for
carpal tunnel syndrome - where they shoot an electric current down each
tendon to find where the blockage is... it's an absolutely barbaric test!
yuck!)

What has worked for me is: 1) splinting the arms at night 2) general,
all-over exercise and training *with weights* 3) exercise specific to
the arms.
I have found that strengthening ALL my muscles - shoulders, lats,
upper/lower back, bicep/tricep, pectorals, abs, etc.. has made the biggest
difference in my playing and in my life in general. I can now play for
much longer periods of time without any pain or numbness. Lately I have
found that bouldering and rock climbing have really made the biggest
difference! My forearms and fingers feel much stronger, my muscles are
visibly bigger, and I can practice for hours on clarinet and piano and feel
no pain or numbness afterwards! I know it's not for everyone, but it
really has worked for me, even moreso than going to the gym. I think that
getting the bigger muscles involved and letting them take the brunt of the
work is good, they can withstand much more than just the little finger and
hand muscles alone.

Line
p.s. I have never tried using Ibuprofen, but probably would if ever my
tendonitis flared up again. But I do hope that I won't ever have to take
anything for it. :)

> I work at a computer company and a lot of the programmers
> use those hand strengtheners you can get at any sporting goods store, the
> ones where you are squeezing a spring.
>

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