Klarinet Archive - Posting 000376.txt from 2001/04

From: RobynB1070@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Right Hand Thumb Position
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001 01:55:42 -0400

Dear List,

I was talking to a friend of mine at orchestra practice tonight and she
brought up an interesting issue. First, however, I should give some
background. . .

I have double jointed thumbs, so that when I hold them out stiffly they bend
backward at an almost 90 degree angle. When I hold my clarinet, my right
thumb bends backward at the first knuckle, which causes my second knuckle
(closest to my palm) to jut out sharply. I have been playing for about 8
years now, and in the last year I have had some wrist soreness when I play
for more than a few hours at a time (such as at an all-day honor band
rehearsal). This problem is remedied with an Ace bandage or a neck strap.

Here is my question. My friend was telling me that her fifth grade student
uses the same thumb position and is already having wrist problems. Does
anyone have experience with this? Am I doing serious damage to my hands by
continuing to play this way? I have tried to curve my thumb the other way,
but this is very uncomfortable because my arm and fingers get very tense and
locked up. Is there another solution?

I would appreciate anyone's help and ideas. I am looking at playing
professionally, and I can't afford to damage my wrists.

Thanks,

Robyn

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