Klarinet Archive - Posting 000414.txt from 2003/01

From: "R. Williams" <rwilliams@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] [kl} Thumb Pain: A different Approach
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 16:35:18 -0500

Hi:
I know this has been beaten to death after looking over the archives, but I
thought I'd relay my own experiences having just gone through a 3 week bout
of misery.

I began to develop rather severe pain in the first joint of my thumb. It
wasn't pressure pain from the rest but the joint itself and it was isolated
to the joint. This occurred during a period when I was practicing two to
two and a half hours a day. I tried the typical Ben Gay and Ace wrap, but
it wasn't helping. I don't know if others have experienced this, but when
someone asks what is wrong with your hand and you say "clarinet thumb", if
they don't outright laugh, they at least look at you funny...g

Anyway, the treatment was electro-acupuncture, which actually doesn't
penetrate the skin. I ace wrapped my thumb to support it during practice,
apply ice immediately after practice and once again for 20 minutes during
the day. You can wrap the thumb so it is supported without interfering
with fingering. I also take Ibuprofen before practice. The thumb has
pretty well cleared up but I have discussed a support with an occupational
therapist if it becomes a chronic problem. I've been told that whatever
they come up with shouldn't cost too much ie. $100 range. So, it's
cheaper than some of the rests out there that wouldn't work for me anyway.

In my case a $4 ace wrap and some ice, if done earlier probably would have
prevented the full blown case I had, so just another trick to try.
Best
RW

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