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finger strengthening

Author: graceej13
Date: 2012-03-27 22:52

Hi. I am recouperating from a yearlong problem that began with a thumb replacement surgery last April and most recently with surgery on a degenerative disk in my neck in December. The result of this is some nerve "damage" that hopefully will get better over time. Both my pinky on the left hand and the ring finger are numbish but are definitely waking up.

I got my clarinet out and I can play some, however the weakness in these two fingers is a problem. I am hoping someone out there can suggest some exercises, either playing or otherwise, to strengthen these two fingers. I am starting physical therapy (again!) next week, but any help you can give will supplement that.

Thanks in advance.

PGrace

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Re: finger strengthening

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-03-28 01:20

Grace -

Physical Therapy will help a lot. Ask your PT therapist about possible Occupational Therapy.

In the meantime, Larry Guy has some exercises that may help.

Go to http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=20&i=289&t=289 and then search for the section called FINGER MOVEMENT. Read that and the following section, COLLAPSING JOINT.

Good luck, and a quick recovery.

Ken Shaw

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Re: finger strengthening

Author: Campana
Date: 2012-03-28 07:44

As someone who has suffered muscle atrophy in some fingers, for a different reason I can suggest 2 exercises.
Squeeze a ball...Must be one that yields, no good squeezing one thats as hard as rock as you want movement as well as resistance...
...and my favorite. Put an elastic band around the outside of your fingers and spread your fingers against the resistance. Progress from 1 band to 2 or more.
I'm sorry if the cost of this equipment is prohibitive

P.S. It's a lot better for muscle strengthening exercises if you do, say, 100 against a light resistance rather than only manage 10 against a much stiffer resistance.

Post Edited (2012-03-28 08:18)

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