Klarinet Archive - Posting 000931.txt from 2000/07

From: "David B. Niethamer" <dnietham@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Adjustable thumb rest for Eb clarinet
Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 23:15:07 -0400

on 7/26/00 4:22 PM, Lacy Schroeder wrote:

>I appreciate the reply. Do you mean that I can get a new thumbrest for $25?
>Where?! I just got off the phone with International and the adjustable
>thumbrests themselves were $80-$160 each and that was what I was afraid of.
>I would need one for each horn, and $180-$360 just doesn't fall from the
>sky. I know I can get the existing ones moved up for $10 each, but the idea
>of adjustable ones just doesn't seem to be an option. Maybe I can get Aetna
>to pay for it.....

I've been following this thread with some interest, and have an
alternative suggestion to make. Take the $100+ and visit a physical
therapist. You may need a referral from a primary care physician. Take
the clarinet, and any chair you can drag in that you regularly use to
practice or perform.

I did this drill about 10 years ago, and found a fantastic therapist
sympathetic to musicians issues. I had moved my thumb rests (pre
adjustable thumb rest availability) and tried lots of other things to
alleviate the pain, including trips to an orthopedic surgeon and a
neurologist. 18 months of treatment, including stretching exercised from
the PT, and I was pain free. At her suggestion, I never stopped playing
for any significant length of time during those 18 months. I had tried
yoga, which was somewhat helpful. I understand that Alexander Technique
can be helpful, though I've never personally tried it. The PT was the
answer for me, and yes, my insurance covered it.

Good luck.

David
(a.k.a. gidget rhinobuns...thanks Lacy!!)

David Niethamer
Principal Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
dnietham@-----.edu
http://members.aol.com/dbnclar1/

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