Klarinet Archive - Posting 000596.txt from 2001/06

From: Claudia Zornow <claudia@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Right Thumb and Wrist Problems
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2001 13:04:32 -0400

Gene Nibbelin wrote:

>I have noted in reading the numerous "solutions" to these problems, that the
>easiest solution is generally not mentioned. When I returned to playing,
>the arthritis of age in my wrist and thumb was causing me some problems, so
>I just started resting the horn on my knees. In addition to relieving any
>pain, I found a fringe benefit of keeping my hands (particularly the right)
>much more relaxed, enabling a considerably faster technique.

and David Niethamer wrote:

>Unless your torso length and thigh length are perfect to for a right
>triangle with your clarinet, you'll be rounding over your back when you
>do this, and overstretching your arm muscles as you do. Those muscles are
>the very ones that cause 4th/5th finger problems , esp. of the right
>hand.

The Weight Lifter stand would seem to be a physically better solution
than using one's knees. I used a Weight Lifter for about a year while
recovering from a brachioradialis strain. When healthy, I prefer not
to use it, because I like to be able to move around a little when I play,
but it was just what I needed at the time. I still use it occasionally
in practice, especially when I'm playing etudes that use a lot of pinky
keys; I probably develop too much tension in my hands then, and things
start to hurt, so the Weight Lifter breaks the cycle.

If you're not familiar with the Weight Lifter, check the archives; we've
discussed it before. I have no association with the firm, blah blah blah.

Claudia

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