Klarinet Archive - Posting 000357.txt from 1998/10

From: Mark Hollingsworth <mholling@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] Carpel Tunnel Syndrom -Reply
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 1998 14:17:45 -0400

Michael,
I have two students with carpel tunnel and they both use neck straps. This of
course helps the right hand, but the condition seems to appear in both hands
eventually. I do not have carpel tunnel, but I can speak for others I know with
the problem. Although some people on the list had successful surgery, I know of
others who did not. The flute teacher at my university had the surgery and
could not play for a year. She could pick up the flute for a few minutes at a
time, which allowed her to teach, but live performance was out. Several people
mentioned orthopedic surgeons, but no one mentioned chiropractors. I have seen
a chiropractor for back problems and he has helped me tremendously. MDs and
orthopedic surgeons only told me to have surgery. My wife, a science teacher
and amateur flutist was diagnosed with carpel tunnel. She could not hold a
flute, pencil or drinking glass with her right hand. Our chiropractor helped
her in three sessions, no surgery, no unusual "back-cracking" and she has not
had any re-occurring problem for two years. Surgery may be the option you
choose, but I do recommend trying a chiropractor first; if it doesn't work, try
another option. Of course, insurance plays a big role in the option you choose.
Our Oklahoma State Employees Insurance covers chiropractic care, but I know
that some plans and certain HMOs do not. Good luck, and whatever you do, don't
give up the instrument!

Dr. Mark Hollingsworth
Dept. of Music
East Central University
Ada, OK 74820
(580) 332-8000 ext. 474
mholl@-----.edu

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