 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: clarinet713
Date: 2001-05-28 03:29
I have pain in my right wrist all the time and I've been to a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, a physical trainer, and a chiropractor. The occupational therapist is specialized in working with musicians. NO ONE HAS REALLY BEEN ABLE TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME! I have been in pain since the middle of February. I have tried neck straps, exercises, stretches, not playing, massage, etc. Nothing helps it. I don't know what to do! I am very frustrated. I have played clarinet for 10 years and never had any problems. The pain is not only in my wrist, but goes up my arm to my shoulder and neck. It is very annoying and painful. Am I just being impatient? Does anyone know what this is like? I just finished my freshman year in college as a clarinet performance major and am already having problems. I love playing clarinet and I don't think that I can NOT do it-so I am in need of some advice if anyone can offer it. Thank you much and God bless.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-05-28 04:18
Besides rest (not playing for a significant time) there isn't much anyone here can recommend - you've gone to all the right people. Perhaps another occupational specialist (with a music specialty) can try something else.
Please, people, this is serious. Besides recommendations to specific doctors that you may know of, keep the diagnoses to yourself. This is a sensitive area and I don't want to delve into "pseudo-medicine" here, especially since few of of are doctors and even fewer are qualified to make "Internet diagnoses". No self-respecting doctor would ...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: John Sachko
Date: 2001-05-28 04:44
I see no mention of an orthopedic specialist in your consultations. I urge you to see one. If he/she can't help you, perhaps you can get a professional referral to someone who can. Good Luck
Just,
John
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2001-05-28 07:18
After I accidently severed a tendon in my left thumb I had surgery. The surgeon sent me to a certified hand therapist who made a hard splint. Since then I have had her make a pair of them for my carpal tunnel problem. The splint she made is a hard shell which immobilizes the thumb and allows the fingers full mobility. Something like that might take the strain off the muscles and ligaments which work holding the clarinet. I suggest you contact one of your therapists, or your physician, for a referral to an excellent certified hand therapist.
The carpal tunnel splints go on at night-time whenever the problem kicks up. Then after a few days they go back into the drawer for a few months until the next time.
I ended up with splint therapy followed with an exercise regimin. Every person is different and every problem different. Your CHT will design a program tailored to you.
Best wishes, Terry
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinet713
Date: 2001-05-28 12:20
Thank you all for your advice-Mr. Charette, you mentioned not playing for a significant amount of time-the only thing that really keeps me from doing that is becoming out of shape(and the fact that I LOVE playing and not playing is a very difficult thing for me to do)-though I understand that that is a smaller problem than never playing again because I completely messed up my wrist because I did play with pain-is there anything I can do to keep in shape while not actually playing? That sounds kind of contradictory doesn't it?! Thanks again everyone
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mike Irish
Date: 2001-05-28 13:47
I also have wrist pain. some times it effects my thumb......
did find the sorce of this one... it was a pinched nerve by the shoulderblade ....
yea... thats right... actually almost under it is where the muscle knots up....
I have had to take care of it myself, cause the "non-traditional" medicine clauses in the insurance dont cover accupreassure/ accupuncture.... an oriental physician friend of mine does adcupressure, and relieved it for me..... he also showed me how to do it my self and i have my son take care of it if I can not do it my self...
might try one..... being a friend, there wasnt a charge, ... well... I paid in doughnuts and coffee.... lol
mike
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: connie
Date: 2001-05-28 14:14
In all seriousness, I did not see any kind of M.D. listed in your therapy search. Many things can impinge on nerves in the neck causing pain in the wrist, and should be ruled out. John suggested an orthopedist, but personally, I would start with a good generalist (family practitioner or internist). A neurologist would also be a possibility. Acupuncture is gaining respect in the medical community, since we stubborn westerners have actually been able to prove to ourselves that it works, and we are beginning to understand the basis for its success. In my area, many acupuncturists are also MD's.
There is a type of stand that you can place the bell of your clarinet on to support the weight while playing. Gerry Errante (for one) has recommended it. Some players don't like the way it restricts their "dancing" with the music, but for a short term, it might help alleviate your wrist problem without affecting your back or shoulders.
To keep in shape without playing the horn...what about "mouthpiece practice" and breathing exercises? I don't remember the exact references, but they are discussed somewhere here on Sneezy. I used them very successfully when I was trying to get back into shape after not playing for too many years.
Good luck, and don't give up!
connie
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Anji
Date: 2001-05-28 14:18
Isn't the worst part of this not being able to play!?
Like Mark said, diagnosis by wire is ill-advised.
(I'm certainly guilty of this in the past.)
The Pain management end really gets to the core of the problem... a PHYSIATRIST is the specialist to investigate, if you have yet to see one.
I switched to the Ton Kooiman thumbrest, and got better positioning to relieve some of the constant tension in my right hand.
Neck straps take some getting used to, but this is really the best long-term solution... It takes the weight closer to your center of gravity.
I know a couple of pit-orchestra players that wrest the horn on the chair, between their knees and these guys ROCK!
Let's see if I can phrase this in the form of a suggestion....
Overall physical fitness, including fexibility exercises MAY be an area to explore.
If the delay before comfortable playing starts is long, a dialouge with a qualified Psychiatrist MAY be helpful, too.
<How's that for PC?>
anji
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Fred
Date: 2001-05-28 14:43
If you are going to play, I agree with Anji. The Kooiman thumb rest and a neck strap could each provide certain benefits. But Mark also has a very valid point; you might have to stop for a while to let the area cool off. Do this under a physician's guidance; with the medication they can prescribe you can probably get the area cooled off enough to see if these appliances will work for you.
Good Luck and God Bless
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brian
Date: 2001-05-28 14:57
I had a problem similiar to yours several years ago. I am not a doctor or anything, but I will tell you what worked for me, and you can go from there. I actually have what they call Cupital Tunnel syndrome. It is basically the same as Carpel Tunnell except it affects the nerves around the elbow. however it causes similiar symptoms....loss of strength and endurance in the hand, numb and tingling fingers and such. I beat it by doing a little light weight lifting on a tricepts machine to build strength around the elbow, and I followed the exercises I found in a book called "End Your Carpel Tunnell Pain Without Surgery" by a Dr. Kate Montgomery. It has a lot of exercises that strengthen the small muscle groups in the wrist and hand. This along with wearing a wrist brace while on the computer and taking frequent breaks suring practice sessions, I have overcome a potential carrer ending injury. I hope this has helped you, and I hope you get better.
SSG Brian Jungen
399th Army Band
Ft. Leonard Wood, MO
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bob gardner
Date: 2001-05-28 16:04
If the main problem is holding the clarinet you may want to look into a Bass. As you know it has a floor peg so it may work for you. I love the bass and the fingering is the same as for the Bb.
I'm sure you will win your battle. There has been a lot of good advice given so far. Look for the right medical personal and you will get through this
Best of luck
Bob
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-05-28 17:34
I agree with Anji re: thumbrest - try putting your right thumb ON TOP of the TR [briefly] to see if it hurts! I advocate a re-positioned TR for many horns, and my simple-minded solution is to remove and invert it [thus raising it 1/4-1/2 inch] and use a "cushion" to accommodate the curvature. It works for me and doesn't cost much! An adjustable TR may be better. Also {Bob's advice] to take weight off the thumb, a neck strap may be best for a Bb, I use a floor peg for my bass comfortably! Best wishes, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 2001-05-28 18:20
Do keep looking for the right kind of physician to figure out what the problem is. You need to find the root cause as treating symptoms will not prevent recurrence.
Computer work and typing can also lead to hand/wrist/back problems or aggravate existing ones. So take a look at all your activities and see if there is an additive effect.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: C. Hogue
Date: 2001-05-29 02:13
How much time do you spend on a computer, which hand do you "mouse" with, and does the pain affect any other activities other than clarineting? Sometimes a bad ergonomics setup on the computer at work can wreak havoc in other parts of our lives....
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinet713
Date: 2001-05-29 02:48
I do use the computer a lot, though lately I've been typing with just my left hand. Typing hurts it, as does writing. It hurts to squeeze things, whenever I push down on something, and also when I pick things up. So basically it hurts all the time. I have just recently started working out on a regular basis (about 8 weeks ago), I am taking glucosamine, I have been put on Naprelean-nothing seems to have worked, though I have not yet tried a doctor-a regular one. So that may be my next try. Thanks again to everyone!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kim
Date: 2001-05-29 19:48
Do you go to school in CT? If you do, I know someone who may be able to help you. The person was a clarinet player in my college, but she graduated. She had carpal tunnel syndrome and used a device called a FHRED.
If you do go to school in CT, I will give you her name and e-mail.
Kim
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: R Simpson
Date: 2001-05-30 00:31
If I were you, i would either switch to Bass Clarinet (and use the floor peg), or get a neck strap
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
