 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-02-07 23:57
I'm trying to find out how to play without using my thumbs. No joke. Arthritis flare has "fattened" my thumb joints and right hand pinky. Had to send my newly acquired "C" to my grandson and fall back on my Bass as I could not handle the fingering any more (long term). Now I find that my thumbs are really , really more important than I had thought. The weight on the thumb is one thing and the flexibility of the left thumb for register etc is another. Thank God I don't play Bassoon! Can't practice more than 30 minutes without cramps etc. My Rhumy had changed my meds, but he does not play clarinet. His solution is to put it aside until the flare dies down. By that time my embochure (which I have been having trouble with, and my wind) will be gone. Oh well. Thanks for letting me vent. No I don't want to sell my R. Malerne (Conn) Bass. After all it's been "Spiegelthalized."
Bob A
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Author: Marina
Date: 2003-02-08 02:24
Hi Bob
I have had thumb joint problems in my right hand causing a lot of pain and the inability to hold the clarinet for long periods of time during practice.
I purchased a Kooiman Etude thumb rest a few months ago (see http://www.tonkooiman.com/Default.htm) which I absolutely love. It is really comfortable (once you get it adjusted right).
It was about CDN$30 (around US$20?) although I had to call a couple of music stores before I found one in stock. You will need a technician to install it (unless you are brave). They will unscrew the existing thumb rest and replace it with the new one.
Having said all this, I am not sure if it will fit a BC but it would probably fit your C.
Marina
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Author: L Skopitz
Date: 2003-02-08 02:30
hi - about a year and 1/2 back my thumb started going and I thought I would have to give up the instrument and be confined to my saxophones. I then discovered the clarinet neckstrap- a simple device which costs only about $10. A leather strap attached to a an adujstable velcro elastic stripslips over the thumbrest, taking most of the weight off the thumb. I am now able to play for long periods with little discomfort, even on my selmer series nine with extra keys, a heavy instrument. However, my instrument repair guy had the same problem but was too far along when he finally tried out a neck strap. He had to give up playing professionally. Hopefully in your case a simple neckstrap will take enough pressure off your thumb to allow you to reclaim your c horn or even invest in a bflat. Good luck- LMS
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Author: Signe
Date: 2003-02-08 03:14
Another idea. Do embouchure exercises while your thumb is resting.
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Author: zadu
Date: 2003-02-08 13:58
Bob A, I've basically had to stop playing bassoon because of the arthritic thumb problems, the side shift is impossible. Saxophone is much easier but still the left thumb tip joint has to flex to push the octave key, but the only side motion involves palm key/octave key combinations. Maybe an option to stay in shape embouchure and breath-wise? For Alto-Clar, the floor peg And neckstrap stabilize the instrument well enough for me. I don't know if these thoughts are helpful for your situation, but good luck and keep your elbows in.
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Author: brenda siewert
Date: 2003-02-08 14:13
I, too, have some arthritis problems in my hands and thought I would have to quit playing for a while. My mother is in a wheel chair from rheumatoid arthritis and is terribly crippled. So, for the past 34 years we've been in and out of all kinds of rheumatology specialists and arthritis clinics. Thank God mine is not rheumatoid--but some of the techniques therapists have used for her will work for regular arthritis as well.
One: Keep moving the fingers even if they hurt.
Two: You can use things like hot paraffin machines to soak your hands in for 15 min. each and then do some exercises with your fingers. Also, you can buy finger exercisers from the guitar section at a music store that are made to make the fingers stronger for holding down strings. These really do help. I keep one handy and use it while I'm on the computer, etc.
Three: Get some one and two pound weights to put on your wrists and raise and lower your arms several times each. Do this every day several times a day.
Four: Don't give ground psychologically to the disease. Don't accept in your on head that you're going to be crippled. The head game is important.
Five: You might also consider buying a clarinet with plateau keys. Leblanc makes one and they can be found.
I also agree with the thumb rest idea.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-02-08 14:21
I have similar problems, Bob. I believe I've found my "niche" tho on bass cl, using both "belt and suspenders" [strap and peg], particularly on bass, just strap on alto [occasionally]. I blame my "missing" a fast part on arth. to understanding friends, but have found more playing-exercise is very helpful. Trying to re-learn bari sax and be comfortable with it !! "To soon oldt, too late [real] schmardt". Don
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Author: William
Date: 2003-02-08 14:59
There was a short artical in the recent issue of "The Clarinet" by a clarinetist physician who is expericancing arthritic problems in his hands. His basic recommendation was, as Brenda suggested, that excercise will aliviate the pain of arthritic flare-ups in your joints. He said that playing the clarinet is not only enjoyable (musically), but is also therapudic with regards to pain management. He said that the idea came from his mother who noticed that the pain in her arthritic fingers became less of a problem the more she knitted. I have a bit of arthritis in my rh forefinger (as result of an old physical education class basketball injury in college). What I am experiancing right now is that as I am currently doing a lot of playing (symphony, musical theater, swing band--something every night!!!), the joint is less constricted and does not hurt when side pressure is applied. There does seem be, IMOX, a direct relationship between excercise and (drug free) artritic pain management.
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Author: Crystal
Date: 2003-02-09 01:07
Bob,
I'm a young clarinetist and I've already got problems like that, which scares me. Sad thing is, you said atleast you don't play the bassoon.. Well, I do. It's very hard on me, and now I'm starting to experience back problems along with it, from the weight of the bassoon. I don't really have the arthritis yet, but I can't play with out needing to crack my joints every 10 minutes. Also, I've got carpel Tunnel Syndrom in my right wrist. It's painful. If you find anythign that works let me know. I find that wearing a brace for my cpt works, but I can't wear the brace when I play. I can't have the surgery.
Crystal
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-02-09 04:01
Thank you all very much for your helpful answers.
Brenda: Saw a ThermaPro (Hot Wax pot) for $139. May buy one.
Crystal: On Page 4 of Woodwind & Brasswind Anniversary Catalogue they list a BG-France Harness Style Bassoon Strap, over the shoulder dual stap type. Should take the load off your hand.
Don: I am also using a "belt and suspender" approach with a peg and a neck strap. All in all, with the good Lord's grace and mercy I shall make it. Thanks again for all your contributions.
Bob A
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Author: elmo lewis
Date: 2003-02-09 21:43
If you play sitting down and rest the clarinet on you knee you can play without your right hand thumb. Try it- let the thumb fall away from the clarinet. I can play 80 or 90 per cent of a piece without the thumb, the exception being fast passages that use the right hand little finger. I have played entire opera performances without my thumb touching the clarinet. This will also relieve pain in the wrist. It takes a bit of practice but it is not as hard as it sounds. After all, the left hand thumb is constantly moving on and off the instrument with no problem.
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Author: Tara Dulaney
Date: 2003-02-09 21:56
This past week was solo ensamble and my hands have been killing me. of Friday the hurt so badd that I could bearly write in school. My dad has vikaden for his canser, so he let me have some and the pain went right away
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-02-10 01:36
Tara, I could not find "Vikaden" in the PDR, but I think you mean "Vicodin", a Opiod (narcotic) analgesic. Tara, never. never take other's medication. In this case prolonged use of Vicodin can cause mental or physical dependence.
Bob A
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2003-02-11 03:18
I realize that it doesn't work with Arthritis (I had about a month where my doctor was convinced that I have jeuvinile arthritis. Scariest month in my life) but I have discovered that when you are injured with something like Carpal Tunnel or Repetitive stress injury the best thing you can do is just not use your hands for a while. It heals a lot faster, and even though you want to kill your doctor for the entire time you are not playing, it really does pay off. Just keep up the exercises without using your hands to keep up everything else while the hands heal.
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