Klarinet Archive - Posting 000129.txt from 2002/02

From: "David B. Niethamer" <dnietham@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Stiff Finger joint
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 13:39:50 -0500

on 2/4/2002 10:37 PM, mlmarmer wrote:

>The joint (last joint on each finger) on the pinkie and finger next to it,
>will sometime "lock-up", causing problems to work those notes using those
>keys and tone hole, on the right hand and no, I do not have arthritis.

This is a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) with which I am intimately
acquainted. At one point, I spent about 18 months fixing this problem in
my right arm. Actually, the Physical Therapist who treated me referred to
it as a Static Stress Injury, because it is the result of supporting the
clarinet with the right thumb. As the stress on that muscle group extends
up the arm (and eventually to the shoulder, neck and back if unchecked),
it affects the muscles that control the fingers you are mentioning, in
the very way you describe. The ring and pinky fingers will press the keys
down, after which lifting those fingers is very difficult.

I'd suggest a trip to a PT, who can 1.) assess your situation, 2.) show
you stretching exercises for your hand and arm, and 3.) possibly provide
other treatment options for the symptoms (ultrasound, etc.).

If I am feeling muscle pain after playing (rare these days, but double
Nutcracker will sometimes make it flare up) I will ice the areas where I
feel the pain, and occasionally take ibuprofin to alleviate the swelling
and pain.

HTH

David

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

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