Klarinet Archive - Posting 000415.txt from 2003/01

From: James Fay <n3hpz@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] [kl} Thumb Pain: A different Approach
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 17:13:40 -0500

Some people also get relief by changing the location of the thumb rest
on the horn.

--Jim Fay

R. Williams wrote:

> 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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