Klarinet Archive - Posting 000041.txt from 2007/09

From: Donna Higgins <Donna@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] shoulder injury
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:47:43 -0400

About 10 days ago, I fell off a horse and tore some ligaments and
tendons in my left shoulder. No broken bones. I had an MRI Friday and
am seeing a specialist on Monday, but I don't think he has any special
knowledge about musicians issues, and when I asked my regular doctor
about when I could start playing, she just said "if it hurts, don't do
it." Well, by the time I realize it hurts, it's too late to not do it,
ya know?

Am I completely out of my mind to think I might try playing some bass
clarinet this week? I use a peg and no neck strap, so my left hand
won't need to bear any weight, and my fingers are fine. Obviously,
someone would need to put the horn together for me. I'm wearing a sling
most of the time, but my doctor said to remove it a few times each day
to move my arm around to avoid the shoulder joint completely freezing up.

So, if I'm supposed to be working it a little bit each day, why not toss
in a few minutes of playing time? Or should I forget that I even play
clarinet for the next two months?

Thanks,
Donna

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