Klarinet Archive - Posting 000408.txt from 1998/07

From: "Steven J Goldman, MD" <gpsc@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Tendonitis
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 02:17:44 -0400

It sounds like you have more than tendinitis. If what you describe as
numbness is shooting, burning, or so-called pins-and-needles discomfort, you
probably have something called carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). If vigorously
shaking your hands gives you prompt relief for a time, CTS is very likely.
It's caused by one of the nerves going to your hand being compressed by a
band of fibers that wraps around everyones wrists. The symptoms come and go,
and occur at night (often waking you up) and during activities in which the
wrists are held in flexion or extension, such as playing the clarinet or
using a computer keyboard. IF you have this problem (I never diagnose over
the net), a splint which keeps your wrist straight and is worn at night can
be very helpful. Never have seen it used while playing the clarinet, but if
it doesn't interfere with your dexterity it may help then. In severe cases
there are other very good treatments, but they are more involved.
The weakness you have (assuming it is true weakness and not just discomfort
caused by numbness) is probably tendonitis and the ibuprofen should help the
symptoms while you recuperate.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jason L. Cable [mailto:cabes@-----.com]
Subject: [kl] Tendonitis

Hello!

I have just been diagnosed with tendonitis and am not allowed to play
clarinet or type for three weeks. After the 3 weeks I will visit my doctor
again. My doctor put me on 600 mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day. He did not
think Physical Therapy was needed. My symptoms are severe weakness in my
hands, which makes me unable to hold and play a clarinet for any length of
time. I also have frequent numbness in my hands and nearly constant pain in
my wrists and hands.

Are there any exercises I can do to relieve the pain and/or strengthen my
hands without stressing my wrist/hands too much? Also, is there any way to
prevent tendonitis in the future? NOTE: From here on I will be using a BG
neck strap when I play. Playing is very important to me as I am entering
college this fall to study Music Ed.

Much thanks,

Jason L. Cable
cabes@-----.com
http://users.penn.com/~cabes/

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