Klarinet Archive - Posting 000132.txt from 2002/02

From: "mlmarmer" <mlmarmer@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Stiff Finger joint
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 14:07:39 -0500

David,

Thanks for the reply. I do appreciate the time you took to answer my
question.

I will follow up on your suggestion.

Mike Marmer
Germantown, MD
----- Original Message -----
From: "David B. Niethamer" <dnietham@-----.edu>
Subject: Re: [kl] Stiff Finger joint

> 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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>
>

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