Klarinet Archive - Posting 000340.txt from 2001/05

From: "David B. Niethamer" <dnietham@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] carpal tunnel
Date: Fri, 11 May 2001 22:37:56 -0400

on 5/6/01 4:27 AM, Jennifer Brinkley wrote:

>I have a problem that I am hoping someone on the listserv can help me with.
>I know we have discussed hand and wrist problems at length before, but mine
>is kinda different and kinda specific. I went to my family doctor earlier
>this week and was told that I have beginning signs of carpal tunnel as well
>as my continuing problem of tendonitis. My question is this: my doctor has
>no experience working with musicians and said he would refer me to someone
>who specializes with occupational therapy in music or someone who at least
>has some understanding. He is doing research, as is a friend of mine, but I
>thought I would ask the listserv. If anyone knows of someone in the
>Chicago, IL area (preferrably the West Suburbs), can you get me that
>information? You can send it to me directly or whatever. Any information
>would be greatly appreciated. With the semester being over, I am hoping to
>rest my wrist over the summer but do need to have someone look at it. Sorry
>for the long question (and explanation), but any help will be great.

on 5/8/01 12:57 AM, Christopherhill@-----.net wrote:

>Last I heard, Northwestern University had an excellent Music Medicine
>clinic.

I believe I remember the name of the person at Northwestern as Alice
Brannhofer. The PT I saw for hand/arm troubles spoke very highly of her.

One thing I have to say to Jennifer - make sure you get to a Doctor or
Physical Therapist who has some experience specifically with hands and
arms, and preferably also some musical experience so they'll know what
you're experiencing, and how it affects your playing. In my experience,
such a person will be able to help you more.

Also, make sure it really is Carpal Tunnel (a very specific diagnosis,
but not always correctly made!) or tendinitis (one of those catchalls if
the doctor doesn't know how else to describe it!).

As an aside, my PT recently showed me how to set up the Kooiman Thumb
Rest, and I have been using it successfully and happily for about the
last month. Great tool!

David

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

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