Klarinet Archive - Posting 000174.txt from 2003/03

From: CBA <clarinet10001@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] abdominal support
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2003 16:49:37 -0500

Harold,

I have a student who had this surgery a couple of years ago. He
was out of work for over 3 months on workman's comp. (he does
construction, and obviously could not do the lifting for a LONG
while, much less most other things with the job.

We spent 3 months on HEAVY theory and music flash cards (you can
actually get lots of levels of flash cards too...) He was a
reading demon when he started playing again. Sight reading was
REMARKABLY improved.

We did nothing except for breathing exercises for 2 months, and
by the end of the second month, we started doing mouthpiece
exercises for a month to get his embouchure back. No saxophone
until after 3 months when he could lift again. Unless it is life
or death that you play in the next 3 months (doesn't really
happen much really, does it?) I would give yourself at least
that much time. The saxophone *IS* a little different in that
you have to carry a heavier instrument, but the breathing should
be the same, as on all instruments as with singing too.

You mileage may vary on this one, but if you can persevere for
the three months, and do light breathing exercises, maybe with a
breathing machine designed for recovering heart and lung surgery
patients to keep up the breath support, I think you will be in
much better shape than if you try playing again too soon, and
hurt yourself. This student of mine tried it once about a month
after surgery, and had severe burning pain in his abdomen. The
doctor didn't know anything about music, so couldn't help him to
NOT play until after he reinjured himself a little with the
playing too early. He then said you should not play until you
can lift.

Your doctor could direct you to one of these breathing exerciser
machines to help you practice breathing, or you can get one from
a catalogue...

Here is the link for the Voldyne machine my student got (it is
the same one my dad had after heart surgery. pretty standard
fare and only $25) Works well. I have used one myself when I
will not be playing for a while (trips where I can't bring
instruments, etc.)

http://www.windplayer.com/shop/GX370.html

Windplayer is a fun shop with LOTS of accessories you might not
find other places, i.e. t-shirts, mugs, and the like. The main
website has a great deal of stuff. Their paper catalogue is very
fun too. You can sign up for a free printed catalogue on the
site to be delivered to you also.

Hope this helps. Drop me a line if you need more info on the
hernia thing.

Kelly Abraham
Woodwinds - New York City
--- harold troughton <haroldjtroughton@-----.com> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Listers I wonder if anyone has knowledge/ experience of
> coping with the
> aftermath of groin hernia repair surgery. I had nylon mesh
> implant surgery
> to tripple groin hernias two weeks ago.....I am wondering how
> soon I will be
> able to resume playing,
>
> Is clarinet abdominal support more strenuous on clarinet than
> on
> saxophone???.What are my chances(Shock Horror)!!! of a
> recurrence of the
> problem??
> Any info/ advice would be greatly appreciated...PS Iwas born
> in 1931.
> Harold Troughton . haroldjtroughton@-----.com

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