 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: loverofclarinets
Date: 2010-01-10 00:54
I can't play for long without my right wrist starting to hurt quite terribly... anyone else have this issue?
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Author: jacoblikesmusic
Date: 2010-01-10 01:07
Yes I have had this issue before. It is because your thumb is basically supporting a huge part of the instrument right? When I practice long hours, I use a clarinet neck strap which helps me ease it a bit.
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Author: OmarHo
Date: 2010-01-10 01:26
I have slight tendonitis (and am fortunately recovering slowly) in my right thumb from the same issue every clarinetist struggles with.
I would recommend finding a more comfortable position if you have an adjustable thumbrest so that there is less strain, or if you can afford it, look into the Kooiman Professional Thumbrest.
Make sure you take frequent breaks when you practice, your body can only endure so much in one sitting.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-01-10 03:56
A fairly common problem these days. Use a neck strap and get a support band for your wrist. You can get them a Rite Aid or some other store that sells support aids. Of course take more frequent breaks and experiment with the position of your thumb. Look in a mirror to see if you are holding the clarinet correctly, at least not twisting you hand or wrist. Also take something in the way of an anti inflammatory, you can ask your pharmacist whats best. If all else fails see a therapist. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: salzo
Date: 2010-01-10 11:34
Try not holding the clarinet with your thumb- rest it on a knee or two.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2010-01-10 11:43
Besides a brace and strap, I have had some colleagues who have had great success with the http://www.tonkooiman.com/ products.
I would find a therapist, hopefully even someone who deals with sports or occupational injuries. Pain is the body's way of telling us that something is wrong. You don't want to go too far and find that you are unable to play.
Good luck!
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2010-01-10 16:04
I can't stress enough the importance of proper wrist angle. Your hand should be directly in line with your arm. If it's angled down toward your pinky, you're bound to have these problems, and they're bound to recur. It's not exclusive to playing clarinet either... watch your wrist angle while driving, typing on the computer, using the mouse, etc.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-01-10 20:46
The problem is we as humans aren't really evolved far enough from our nearest primate ancestors (if at all) to support a clarinet in the way we do - it's not a natural thing to support anything just by your right thumb and with the hand remaining open as it's more natural to fully grip onto something in the palm of your hand or support yourself by resting or pushing palm downwards onto a surface, so that's why we're having trouble with thumb, wrist and arm pain.
If it's a real struggle to support the clarinet and get the angle and posture right, get a Quodlibet Fhred support as this takes the weight of the instrument off your right arm.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2010-01-10 21:22
I'm happy that someone mentioned the T R location, as many mfgr's still locate it too low for comfirt and low key access, IMHO. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: MondeLuna
Date: 2010-01-12 02:34
I recently posted here about the same problem. I have been dealing with tendonitis for 3 years. After taking the advice of those on this site as well as from other musicians I am now starting to play w/o pain. Listen to what these people say it should help you. I had gotten to the point where I was worried I wouldn't be able to play for the rest of my life, but that has changed. This is what I did:
When experiencing pain I rest my clarinet on my knee if I cannot stop playing.
I play with a neckstrap
I recently purchased the Stephen Fox support brace (it hasn't arrived yet)
Occupational Therapy
I started seeing a Rolfer and I am half way through the 10 series - I think this is a huge part of my healing but that is just my opinion
And I changed the way I practice I only practice in 15 min intervals now. If I start to hurt I stop as soon as I feel any pain (but I haven't for the past week)
Good Luck! I hope you heal quickly!
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Author: grenadilla428
Date: 2010-01-12 13:56
I agree that it may have something to do with the position of your right hand. Use mirrors, friends, colleagues, etc to find correct placement. I personally use a Ridenour thumb saddle, and it works great for me.
When your wrist does hurt: don't "shake it out" or extend your arm to quickly stretch it out. You can do just as much damage over-reacting to the pain as you can with whatever activity caused it in the first place. Instead, slowly relax your hand & arm, letting it rest for a moment, then slowly start to reach down, then out. You should feel a stretch, not pain... if it hurts, STOP!
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