Klarinet Archive - Posting 001003.txt from 1998/09

From: ROBERT ABRAHAM <rkabear@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Re: [[kl] Thumb rests]
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 09:29:37 -0400

Here's a suggestion that some might find odd. I found these solutions out because I have had thumb problems for years, and it was a combination of factors that had to be addressed to stop the pain in my hands.

After the neck strap and the adjustable thumb rest (which I have both, and they help a great deal.) try relieving tension other places.

I use a mouthpiece patch on top of my mouthpiece to release stress in my embouchure. I also do slow breathing exercises before playing and during all breaks. Lastly, try stretching exercises before and during breaks to relieve stress.

The tension that causes the thumb/hand pain is caused by hand misplacement (which is solved by the adjustable thumbrest and neckstrap) and upper-body tension that makes you *clutch* your clarinet, expecially in the right hand, which is the hand most associated with steadying the instrument (solved by releasing extra stress from the upper torso of the body.) I used to not be able to do Bonade gradual finger movement technique because of the stress in my body moving to my hands. Now, not only is the pain gone, I can play tastefully in slow passages without that click/thud sound when a heavy hand clutches a key.

I didn't think the pain was related to the stress, but after the neckstrap and adjustable thumbrest had helped all they could, I tried the stress relievers, and was very satisfied.

Kelly Abraham
Woodwinds/Computer Geek
New York City
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> I have taken over a student at a quite advanced level,who has a chronic problem with her thumb. She has been using a neck strap, which has helped a little. She has been to a specialist, who suggested a total design of her thumbrest (She plays on a Buffet Festival). I have located an old Bay adjustable thumbrest, which may provide more support for her thumb. I wonder if there might be some other thumb rest, neck strap, or even an exercise, which has proved effective for others on the List. I am just starting to work on her hand position and related tensions, which should also help.
>
> Thanks
>
> David Adlam

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