 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RA
Date: 2002-08-23 01:13
I took some aspirin earlier for my wrists because they were hurting severly. Seems to only be true for one of my wrists. My right one still hurts severly. I have been playing woodwinds since I was seven. I played medieval rather started medieval wooden soprano recorder at that age and clarinet at 15. I am now in my 20's. I think that it may be carpel tunnel syndrome from playing improperly- with my arms facing downward instead of my arms out like a harpist. I know that I need to get an md to clarify this for me; however, is there anything I cna do? Besides the aspirin and maybe a wrist brace? Would a neck strap help in this case?
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Author: earl thomas
Date: 2002-08-23 03:02
You should see an MD right away and in the meantime, check if your
wrists are straight when you're playing. They should not be bent as this causes compression of ulnar and median nerves. You might have developed an incorrect right thumb position. Depending on the length of one's thumb, the thumb rest should "nestle" in between the thumbnail and knuckle. You really should see an MD. Once tingling starts, it almost becomes "too late" to fix dystonia problems in the right hand's fingers. There is much ink on this subject and many neurologists are in touch with the problem. Your Doctor can probably help you find a good and satisfactory solution.
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2002-08-23 03:55
Do a search on this on the board, it seems to be a common clarinetist and computer operator problem. My wife (a pianist and typist) gets relief by wearing braces both at work, and while sleeping. If you use a computer mouse a lot, a trackball might help, as might a keyboard wrist pad.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-08-23 03:57
One can try using the mouse with the left hand if that helps since computer mouse use can aggrevate it. Good luck!
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Author: RA
Date: 2002-08-23 15:00
Thank you for the advice. I'll try to get to see an m.d. asap. However, we are in the proces of moving. Once again, thank you.
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-08-23 15:13
I have a similar problem but I get numbness/tingling rather than pain and it's intermittent. I did see a specialist and the wrist Xrays reveal nothing wrong there so I'm having other upper extremity tests as the doc seems to feel the origin of the problem is "ahead" of the wrist..i.e. may be in the shoulder or neck.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-08-23 22:22
Stop playing immediately, it will not spontaneously abate.
See a physician to rule out serious nerve compression.
Nerve damage can be permanent, and crippling.
Have a look at Kate Montgomery's book on avoiding repetetive strain
it's as good a place to start as any other.
If you have been playing the recorder, then you have the fundamental strength to hold up the clarinet.
The clarinet thumbrest is too low for most people, you should be able to oppose your right thumb and first finger for best stability.
When you return to playing (you will EASE in, won't you), perhaps a strap like the Claricord or the Ton Kooiman thumbrest will help.
Have the thumbrest moved toward the mouthpiece, anyway.
Don't fool around with this, it can stop your playing for months!
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Author: RA
Date: 2002-08-24 01:15
That I certainly don't want. When I had a severe sinus infection a little over a year ago, I was hurting really bad and the left side of my face was swollen. I couldn't even smile. so, maybe a wrist brace. I did only use one wrist at work today, my left hand which is natural as it is. And, I had to take 8 aspirin btw yest and today and that's way too much. But, ya, I will at least try to wear a brace until I can take care of this matter further.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-08-26 10:48
I had a wrist problem a bit overa year ago. It turns out I had a ganglian - I think it's a calcium build-up in the wrist that forms around the tendants. Either way, I was shown a new position by Greg Smith - a RELAXED hand position, then simply bring your hand to the clarinet. The thumbrest sits on the cutickle. So simple, effective, comfortable, and allows much more finger agility.
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