 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ckg
Date: 2001-02-04 03:10
Hi... I'm looking for some advice. Last night, for the first time ever, I experienced some pretty acute pain in my wrist and arm after playing for quite a few hours. The severity of it diminished after a while of not playing but even into today, I could feel it every now and then. Like I said, it's never happened before, but I don't want it ever to happen again.
I've read and heard that neckstraps can take a good deal of the tension out of your hand and arm. I know that I do carry a good deal of tension in my hand, as it is something that I've been working to mend for quite a while with my teacher. I'm just curious to know if a neckstrap is the only real option to try?
If it is.... what are the best ones out there? I know there's not a whole lot of selection, but any help I can get would be great.
Thanks
CG
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Author: Sara
Date: 2001-02-04 04:59
GET THAT TAKEN CARE OF NOW!!!!!!!!!!! I had the same thing happend to me and ended up having to have Carpal Tunnel surgery. Neck straps help, also try wrapping your wrist and thumb in an ace bandage. If you want e-mail me and I will share so of the things my doctor told me to do.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-02-04 12:44
Hiya CG,
As deebee indicated, we all have run over this topic. It seems a fairly common occurrence for intent and beginning players.
To reiterate my previous post, a similar injury took me out of playing for 6 weeks.
The strain may involve your elbow and lead to inflammation as far "North" as your shoulder.
First, rest.
Ice at the wrist and immobilization (and I mean IMMOBILE) will help reduce the swelling inside the joint.
Second, rest.
Lay off the horn for a week, no kidding. Now is the time to either see the doctor, because you may do this again, or visit a good massage therapist. Check with a music school director, they will have other players history to vouch for a therapist.
It really works, but may take two sessions a week apart to get real relief.
Third, get a support device.
I tried the Claricord strap, which is simple and cheap. It took the load, but I didn't like the way it pushed the mouthpiece around.
Move the thumbrest up! This reduces the torque on the thumb, slightly.
I finally went to the Ton Kooiman gizmo and have not had any hand or wrist pain since. At this point, only my ears hurt while playing (I have just strarted my second year of playing.) It also makes the hand position less clenched.
This sort of strain is no joke, it can seem small and threaten your career.
Not to be alarmist, but take it seriously. This sort of strain is indicative of over training and maybe a precursor to "Performance burn-out".
Those of us who have wandered down this same road wish you well.
anji
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Author: esargresa
Date: 2001-02-04 15:35
I saw this girl at school who has these metal ring things and this plastic cast-like thing she puts over her hand when she plays. I think they keep her hand lined up in some special way or something. She has a neck strap too!
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Author: Al
Date: 2001-02-04 15:53
Ricardo Morales, principal with the Metropolitan Opera, uses a neck strap from time to time.
Don't hesitate to use one if you have any qualms.
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Author: Andy
Date: 2001-02-04 16:20
CG,
You probably shouldn't do this but I do when my thumb gets strained. I just tuck my horn inbetween my legs to support it when my thumb gets tired. This probably forms a bad habit but it is a quick fix, at least for me.
-Andy
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-02-04 19:34
Many currently produced models of Soprano sax come with two necks--a straight and a curved. The curved neck makes using a strap very comfortable as it prevents the strap from interfering with the left thumb. It changes the sound only slightly, tending to take off some of the edge. I wonder if this would work for the soprano clarinet. A barrel could be made with a slight curve or maybe a silver crook as on the alto clarinet could be made that would make playing with a strap very comfortable. Soprano sax is heavier than soprano clarinet but I can play mine for hours on end with no discomfort because of the strap. I would think there would be alot resistance in the clarinet community to a curved barrel or crook but if it didn't negatively affect the tone and made playing alot more comfortable then why not? It works for soprano sax. I wonder if anyone else has been thinking along these lines.
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Author: earl
Date: 2001-02-04 23:44
If one plays with bent wrists one is inviting nerve compression. The wrists should be as
straight as possible and they should look about the same. A neck strap could be an aid, but playing with bent wrists is WRONG. There are several types of support advertised here and there, as you probably know. When your fingers start to "tingle" it may be too late. You should quickly see a physician. You could also check out the quarterly publication "Medical Problems of Performing Artists" published by Hanley & Belfus, Inc. in which there have been articles re this situation. My article on hand position is in Vol.20, No.3, June-July 1993 of "The Clarinet", for what that's worth. I think a physician visit would be very timely 'y muy pronto'.
I sincerely hope your situation improves quickly and worry-free. Yours truly, E. Thomas
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Author: beth
Date: 2001-02-05 21:13
All the above advise is very timely and do see a Dr. or a physical therapist. As a suffer of ulner tunnel syndrome (it's much like carpel tunnel) I would add that you might want to try using the therapeutic gloves that are marketed for people who do needlework. They help relieve cramping and pain and offer support for hands and wrists. One brand to look for are "Handeze". You can find them in sewing and craft stores. I had bought a pair so I could keep knitting and left them on one day for clarinet practice. I noticed a difference in the way my hands, wrists and arms felt! Now I use them for practice and performance all the time.
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Author: Chrissie (ckg)
Date: 2001-02-05 22:56
Thanks everyone. I'm currently awaiting the arrival of a neckstrap and I already had an annual appointment with my doctor scheduled, so I'll check it out then. Thanks for your support!
Chrissie
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Author: Erin :)
Date: 2001-02-06 01:33
Sticking your clarinet between your knees to rest your hand can easily become a bad habit....that is one of the habits I am trying to break. I didn't do it until last year as a freshman in college, when I had a bout of tendonitis, and I am still doing it as a sophomore. It makes it more difficult to play standing up because rely on your knees, and when standing you can't really stick it there without looking absolutely absurd! Try not to do that too much...
Erin
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