 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-10-10 22:23
For the last few weeks I've been noticing increased pain in my left hand fingers and tendons. I've been playing a LOT more than usual these last six months or so, on contra, bass, and Bb, and I'm a little worried. I'm playing about 3-4 hours a day, sometimes more, and I'm reluctant to stop because I'm improving quite a lot... College is looming on the horizon and I need to improve.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2023-10-10 23:02
Reese,
You have so many variables that could be causing pain. But it would seem that reducing your time practicing would be an easy way to start to find the major contributing factors. The hand is a very complicated "device" to operate so take things slowly and carefully.
You can expect to get all flavors of advice here on the BB. Unfortunately, some of it can be very bad and worsen your condition. A visit with your PCP might be necessary if you have experienced some sort of trauma with your hand.
HRL
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-10-11 00:32
Hi Reese,
I'm not a doctor, but it sounds a bit like you might be developing tendinitis. You definitely don't want that as it will prevent you from playing at all for quite some time and takes ages to recover from completely.
Best consult a doctor if the pain is persistent.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2023-10-11 00:40
Reese,
IMO, pain is always an indicator to STOP playing. With all due respect to Hank's advice, I strongly suggest that you see a Sports Orthopedic Surgeon. The one I went to had an X-ray machine and could look at the tendons at the ends of my right arm muscles. Better yet would be a Hand Surgeon. They truly are the experts in your case.
He or she will be able to advise you accordingly.
However, for right now, STOP playing until you see a specialist.
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Author: Liquorice
Date: 2023-10-11 01:56
Just like it is in sports- the worst thing you can do for your training is to get injured. I agree with the previous posts: stop pushing yourself for now and try to figure out what is causing you pain. It's highly unlikely that it will just go away on it's own and there is certainly nothing to be gained by practising through the pain!
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2023-10-11 04:57
Listen to your body and take frequent breaks. If something is hurting - stop! You may need medical attention (always good to check) but if you are able to play for 20-30 minutes without discomfort, do that - rest for 20-30 minutes and then play again for 20 30 minutes. If you can't do that comfortably then you really do need urgent medical attention and/or to take a complete break for extended time.
If cutting back keeps things comfortable work up SLOWLY - over several weeks at least - to the amount you'd like to be playing. Always step back the amount and/or increase the breaks if your body complains.
Also make sure that you are not playing with unnecessary tension. You need an expert teacher for this - or a physical therapists that specializes in musicians - or an Alexander Technique or body mapping specialist.
Good luck, and be smart about this or you may not be playing at all soon! Playing through pain, especially increasing pain, is not smart. Since you are young, if you haven't done any actual damage yet you will probably recover quickly if listen to your body and give it the rest it will insist on if you don't. If you really push it the damage may be permanent.
Anders
Post Edited (2023-10-11 10:44)
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-10-11 10:25
Hi Reese,
I think that is defintely good advice to stop and seek medical advice.
I used to play violin and piano, but I got a wrist injury very suddenly at work when I was 27, which meant that I couldn't play either. It was an overuse injury which caused pain in my hand and tensons just as you describe. The injury never recovered, and that's why I had to switch to clarinet.
I reckon it's really very important to pin down what is going wrong with your hand before you start college.
You might need to figure out exactly the right specalist in your area because hands are very complicated and a primary care physician might not know who the best person is. It might be worth approaching the music department of your local university, or the conductor of your local symphony orchestra and asking who they rate highly. Alternatively you could contact a private consultant on pretty much any subject and ask who the sensible head is in your area. All the good local specialist medics know each other and they will know who to ask.
Good luck there.
Jennifer
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-10-11 12:41
Gosh Jen!
That's so sad!
Thank you for chipping in with a first hand account of what the outcome of these sorts of injuries can mean..... And you suffered muscular problems as a result of Covid !
You're such an invincible trooper.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2023-10-11 13:01
I've recently had a similar problem in my right hand. It caused me to have a 5 month lay-off from playing and after a year I've still not fully recovered. For a musician your hands are precious. Listen to what they're telling you and get some qualified professional help.
Tony F.
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-10-11 21:21
When my wrist went wrong I was in the very low paid early stages of a high stakes science career. I had to work with repetitive hand motions at speed for many hours a day, or drop out.
Is it possible that Reese is in the same position, and that there is perhaps a safe limit to the number of hours that a person can put in actually playing woodwind instruments per day? Perhaps there are some other roles, like teaching or tech work, that a person can take on as part of a "portfolio career" to reduce the stress on wrists?
In my case, I had to move very swiftly from bench science to bioinformatics. That meant I was doing different hand movements that were manageable. The wrist did not recover fully, but I was then able to work again.
Adult learner, Grade 3
Equipment: Yamaha Custom CX Bb, Fobes 10K CF mp,
Legere Soprano Sax American Cut #2, Vandoren Optimum German Lig.
Post Edited (2023-10-11 21:28)
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Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2023-10-12 11:14
Reese, once myself preparing for an audition and practicing more than usual on bass, I developed pain in my right pinkie. It obviously was related to stress from the heavier key work action on bass. Maybe you could try quitting both contra and bass until all your pain has gone definitely, but if you feel just fine on soprano you could continue on it (but if not, stop everything until you have healed completely, and then after that start on only soprano)?
Once the pain has settled, a possible long term solution on bass/contra could be a good technician lightening the key work action, together with pad seal adjustments where needed. According to at least Michael Lowenstern, a really well set up bass can have as light key work action as a soprano (see some of his other thoughts on this here, scrolling down to "Spring tensioning": https://www.earspasm.com/why-earspasm ). If your bass and contra are not yours, this may not be a viable option - but could still be the only future way being able to play bass and contra as much as you wish, without ruining you fingers.
Post Edited (2023-10-12 14:11)
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Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-10-12 21:18
I don't own my bass (I REALLY want to get my own bass because it's my main instrument) or contra, and now that you mention it the keywork does seem a little out-of-adjustment on both. I talked to my band director about it and he says it is extremely low priority as long as both (barely) function. At the moment I do not have the option of stopping any of the clarinets I play. My school's band program is split into three groups of concert bands, three different levels. I play in them all. My band program really relies on me to be a competent player no matter what. I don't really see a way out of this that doesn't involve me letting down a whole bunch of people.
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Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2023-10-12 22:11
Drop the contra at least. Most bands don't have contra players anyway, I think that part could be left out with out taking down the performance. Your health is worth more than the performance of your high school band.
A lot of athletes use tape to reinforce tendons and ligaments in their fingers. You could try that and see if it takes some of the stress off to allow for healing.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2023-10-13 00:19
Reese Oller wrote:
> I
> talked to my band director about it and he says it is extremely
> low priority as long as both (barely) function.
Are you paying a fee to use these instruments? If not, you might consider paying a tech out of pocket to service the instruments for you as your rental fee if it's within your family's financial means. As far as "it" being a low priority is concerned, he's saying in effect that having those instruments in his band is a low priority for him. In that case his "reliance" on you is more than a little disingenuous.
> At the moment I
> do not have the option of stopping any of the clarinets I play.
You always have the option to play or not to play a certain instrument, or at all.
> My school's band program is split into three groups of concert
> bands, three different levels. I play in them all. My band
> program really relies on me to be a competent player no matter
> what.
I would suggest that, given your band director's attitude (at least as you've described it), your concern for "[your] band program" is a little one-way. The band director should have some concern for your health and for your playing future.
> I don't really see a way out of this that doesn't involve
> me letting down a whole bunch of people.
Get a diagnosis from a hand orthopedist and, if your symptoms are connected to your playing, bring it up again to your band director (perhaps with a written report on your diagnosis from the doctor). If you plan to go on with your playing and your current problems are serious enough to threaten those plans, your first allegiance is to your own future.
Karl
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Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-10-13 03:14
You're right. I can't sacrifice my future for this. I'm not paying a fee to use the bass clarinet so maybe I will pay to have it fixed up. Or maybe I should just buy my own; I hate the one I play on, anyway. Is there anyone here who's selling a good bass clarinet? Preferably to low C, I do a bit of orchestral work and it hurts my heart to bring those parts an octave up... :(
Anyway, I'm stopping contrabass for now. Shame, I love blasting (not actually) on the contra parts!
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2023-10-13 03:42
Reese Oller wrote:
> You're right. I can't sacrifice my future for this. I'm not
> paying a fee to use the bass clarinet so maybe I will pay to
> have it fixed up. Or maybe I should just buy my own;
That's a great step to take if you can afford it. But if you need to limit yourself to the least expensive one you can find on the used market, you may not be much better off. You need an instrument first and foremost that makes playing easier.
> I hate the
> one I play on, anyway.
Is that because it's a bad instrument or because it's in bad condition? What brand/model is it?
Karl
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2023-10-13 06:50
Reese,
I assume you are a minor. If so, what do your parents say about this situation? Also, your band director certainly has in loco parentis responsibility.
Hank
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-10-13 10:03
Hi Reese,
It would be worth explaining your whole situation here again, if you don't mind the privacy issues, including your parents' concerns and the music scholarship that you have been awarded to go to college.
A lot of the people on this thread are extremely experienced and may be able to see a real practical way forward.
If it's too much to write in public you could write to some of the people off-list by email and ask for their thoughts that way. Hank was a high schoool band director himself for the best part of 20 years and will know a lot about the realities of this situation.
Jennifer
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2023-10-13 20:18
Hank Lehrer wrote:
> Also, your band director certainly has in loco
> parentis responsibility.
>
He certainly does. But too many band directors see only a responsibility to build "great bands" - bands that get state recognition, that win competitions, that bring renown to the school - and their responsibility to protect and nurture their students falls by the wayside. It's hard to tell from Reese's description which responsibilities the band director at Reese's school takes more seriously.
Karl
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Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-10-13 21:58
I use an old model YCL 221 in meh condition. It's fine to play, I guess. My parents do not particularly wish to buy or refurbish a bass clarinet (with good reason, I suppose), and I'm leaving soon, anyway.
I guess this is my whole story:
I'm a senior in high school in the USA.
I've been playing clarinet and other assorted woodwinds for about 8 years and I think I'm pretty reasonable for a high school player. I've been offered some music scholarships to (I believe) 3 schools, but nothing too crazy. My parents are concerned about me going to college for music because they fear that things won't pan out for me, and they fear investing in gear, instruments, even reeds (They've gotten better about that). I've been getting more frustrated lately at the lack of support from a musical standpoint and while I really enjoy music, I'm tired of playing, as certain things make it feel difficult and like a chore. Now I might be developing tendonitis and this seems to be the last straw.
My life is not that bad, this is just my ranting on the internet about some of my problems.
My band director has some trouble with seeing the individuals in my band program. He has favorites, and pays a good amount of attention to those people, and many end up feeling neglected. It's not that he doesn't try, he just forgets sometimes.
This sounds bad right now, but I've been through a lot worse. I'll push through it,
and I'll be fine.
Reese Oller
Clarinet student primarily (going to be a performance major in college)
Bass clarinet, Eb clarinet, alto saxophone, flute (in a pinch), and bassoon
Post Edited (2023-10-13 22:49)
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Author: kurth83
Date: 2023-10-14 03:28
As an older person who has played many instruments, I have the following info to share:
I've never met an instrument that if played enough I didn't run into my physical limitations. I am also a computer programmer and constantly have to worry about mouse and keyboard induced RSI's too.
If you back off the injuries will mostly heal, and if young (which you are) probably completely heal if given enough time.
There are three things you can do about this in my experience:
1) Learn your limits - generally discovered the hard way, pay attention to your body's signals. There are plenty of stories of good musicians who made the mistake of playing through the pain and lost the ability to play entirely.
2) Play what you can within your limits, if it hurts, back off, simple as that. I also find taking frequent small breaks increases the overall amount if time I can spend, but only if they happen before the pain threshold (at which point there is already injury and you have to wait longer for the healing process - usually a couple of days of taking it a bit easier does it for me).
3) Discover what if any ergonomic changes you can make that will reduce the stress and effectively increase the amount of time you can play.
It really is that simple, but #3 is harder than it sounds, to discover all of what you can do. For example, I hear many clarinet players slapping the keys hard when they play. You must strive for the minimum effort for maximal gain. Keep the action well oiled and repaired so you aren't forcing down stubborn keys. Use a strap if your thumb is bothering you. There is probably a lot more ppl here could tell you. I think you are on the right track with getting a better instrument too.
And lastly, the bad news, as you get older, the amount you can do before RSI's set in gradually declines. And the recovery/healing time increases. So it's a lifelong balancing act. A lot of the stories of permanent damage are from middle-aged players who failed to realize they were declining in physical ability and needed to adjust their playing regimen, and instead played through the pain, and the real permanent damage occurred then. Lastly, if you can currently play four hours a day count yourself lucky, and use it as best you can while you have it.
Aging classical trumpet player beginning to learn clarinet as a second.
Post Edited (2023-10-15 03:18)
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-10-14 14:33
Hi Reese,
It sounds very much like you aren't getting the support you deserve and I think that we all wish we could do more to change that.
What has all your musical dedication given you to date ?
I'll tell you what! ... The right to make demands for the support of your playing and your future in it. I'm not saying that's going to be handed to you , but make no mistake that this is indeed a right you have reasonably earned.
Parents always try to do the best for their children, but as their children mature, they typically fail to do what they would with other people, which is listen, perhaps not fully understand ...but accept . This quite understandably results in the young adult feeling frustrated and not respected. At this point parents need relationship retraining and it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. While they may be wise to worry about your future economic prospects,when you have grow up and left home, they will call you with one question in mind ..." Are you happy?".
And if your answer is " Yes!", then that will be because you have, and are playing your own hand of cards in the game of YOUR choice.
But in the meantime....DO look after those hands.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2023-10-14 22:07
> I don't want to end up unable to play. I'll give it a rest until ILMEA.
Reese,
I look upon that as a very wise decision.
I'm not sure just how many people on this BB know that I have embouchure dystonia. This type of focal dystonia basically is the self contraction of the muscles utilized in the formation of the clarinet embouchure.
Instead of giving all of the details as to how I came down with this disorder, I think I'll just stick with a Reader's Digest super condensed version instead.
So...why do I have clarinet embouchure dystonia which ended my playing?
The simplest answer I can think of is: I continued to play while in pain.
At this time, that is all I am willing to divulge.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2023-10-15 00:34
Reese, see a hand orthopedist and get a specific diagnosis of the problem. Different injuries to either the tendons or the nerves in your hand might need different treatment approaches.
Karl
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2023-10-15 02:54
Oh, and by the way - don't totally discount the possibility that you may actually have a pinched nerve in your neck or even your elbow, especially if it's only one hand. Contra and bass are heavy instruments and you carry them around in heavy cases and maybe use neck straps to help support them, so in addition to the stress you may be putting on your hands directly, you could be contorting your upper body in ways that can throw your cervical spine out of kilter.
All the more reason to get a proper diagnosis.
Karl
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Author: moma4faith
Date: 2023-10-16 23:53
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-10-12 21:18
"I don't own my bass (I REALLY want to get my own bass because it's my main instrument) or contra, and now that you mention it the keywork does seem a little out-of-adjustment on both. I talked to my band director about it and he says it is extremely low priority as long as both (barely) function. At the moment I do not have the option of stopping any of the clarinets I play. My school's band program is split into three groups of concert bands, three different levels. I play in them all. My band program really relies on me to be a competent player no matter what. I don't really see a way out of this that doesn't involve me letting down a whole bunch of people."
If you don't take care of your joints, you may let them all down as well as yourself. There are probably exercises and maybe stretches you can do to help with the pain. I think seeing a good doctor would be a good idea. Maybe a physical therapist could help you stave off permanent injury. I now play clarinet with a neck strap to help support my right hand and wrist. A doctor/therapist might be able to give you ideas to help.
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Author: moma4faith
Date: 2023-10-17 00:01
Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-10-13 21:58
"I guess this is my whole story:
I'm a senior in high school in the USA.
I've been playing clarinet and other assorted woodwinds for about 8 years and I think I'm pretty reasonable for a high school player. I've been offered some music scholarships to (I believe) 3 schools, but nothing too crazy. My parents are concerned about me going to college for music because they fear that things won't pan out for me, and they fear investing in gear, instruments, even reeds (They've gotten better about that). I've been getting more frustrated lately at the lack of support from a musical standpoint and while I really enjoy music, I'm tired of playing, as certain things make it feel difficult and like a chore. Now I might be developing tendonitis and this seems to be the last straw."
My parents did not want me to major in music education and felt that I would have a hard time finding a job, and would end up living hundreds of miles away from them. I was on a full band scholarship in college, so I played in all the ensembles and groups/gigs I was requested to play in. I ended up getting my first job not too far from home, and then ended up teaching band in my home town. Music education is a viable career. It really is. Non musical people (like my parents were) might see it as something flighty, but it can be a solid and good career. I am sorry you are feeling so frustrated at the moment. I think the pain you are experiencing might be affecting more than your hand. It can really wear you down. Hang in there. There are better days ahead.
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Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-11-19 07:37
Welp. I've done it. Despite my promise to take a break, I didn't, and now the pain has gotten so bad in my left hand tendons my fingers are seizing.
I feel so stupid
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-11-19 11:26
Oh dear, I'm really sorry to hear that.
Is there something else you can do while you recover? It might be that you need something to keep your brain busy so you're not tempted to drive your hands hard again. Maybe you could do some running or something to get extremely fit. You wouldn't need your hands for that.
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-11-19 15:27
Hi Reese,
When we find ourselves acting in bad judgment , ignoring sensible advice and just not being very intelligent,( and we ALL do that in certain situations) that generally means that our egos have some peculiar stake in the situation. While our egos invariably sell themselves to us as a good and supportive thing,if we end up shooting ourselves in the foot, it will no doubt be the ego that pointed the gun and pulled the trigger.
I offer this consideration because I see you as a smart and very capable young man, who is for some reason not acting that way.
I think that you clearly also have a determination that can get you a long way in life, but the sea captain that beats the odds to bring his ship into port, has not only great determination, but is a wise navigator when faced with adversity.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Evert
Date: 2023-11-19 18:02
Also getting pain in my hands, perhaps one should start using a neck strap?
https://clarinetexpert.com/best-clarinet-neck-straps/
/Evert
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2023-11-19 18:32
It sounds as if this has gone beyond the help of neckstraps or technique adjustments or, possibly, even rest by itself. Since today is Sunday and this doesn't qualify for an emergency room visit, make some phone calls tomorrow toward getting medical attention. If you have a primary care physician under your insurance, start with getting an appointment to see him/her. But I would expect the primary to recommend a specialist - my guess would be an orthopedist (who specializes in hands) or maybe a neurologist - to do a thorough evaluation.
Meanwhile - and this is not medical advice, but based on my past experience - try applying alternating ice packs and heat to try to reduce any inflammation (ice) and relax the tendons a little (heat). Don't go overboard with either or you could do more damage.
Bottom line: don't continue to try to treat this yourself. Get professional help. ASAP. That's why they get all that training.
Karl
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-11-19 19:06
It does sound as though it would be best to completely stop and seek medical advice from a specialist. This is what happened to me and one of my hands recovered but the other never did.
This is a medical field where a lot of people will claim to have expertise and then talk total rubbish, so it's worth going to the expert.
I saw a physio at the hospital and she helpfully said "well it is your personality you know". Totally failing to notice that it was an occupational injury and that my income and housing was dependent on doing my job.
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Author: Reese Oller
Date: 2023-11-20 04:11
I haven't played at all today and it feels so strange.
Maybe I can beat this and return to playing later. I guess this gives me time to explore my other interests-- but the problem is most of my hobbies (computer coding/ repair, instrument repair, writing, etc) require my fingers. Perhaps I can hone my penchant for acrobatics?
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-11-20 18:26
Hi Reese,
Dare I ask it you have actually told your parents about the troubles with your hands, and if so, did you make light of it because there is an element of conflict with them regarding your futur in pursuing music.( You young people know your Miranda by heart long before you leave home....Ha-ha!)
If this is the case, then I think you just need to be frank with them, and so go on to receive proper medical help. If your relationship with them has resulted in a situation in which a health issue has been allowed to develop because you felt inhibited in sharing it with them, then that is something for them to reflect on.
Of course, they may reflect on it after they've thrown kitchen appliances at your head, but there will no doubt be progress where progress needs to happen, both with your hands and other things too.
Sending you all the best ...and DO look after those hands. J
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-11-21 00:56
Hi Julian,
This was exactly the situation when I had an occupational injury. I told my boss and asked if I could contact occupational health, but he was really worried that he would get in trouble so I didn't. With hindsight, I should have pushed harder to get help at the time.
Reese -
it may be that there are other things that you can do with your hands. I can't play the piano or the violin now. if I do, I lose the feeling in my right hand and get pain in the tendons of my right wrist. However, I am fine with playing the clarinet and typing on a computer. There are some specific movements that are not okay for me and some that are fine.
Oddly, if I do something that aggravates the injury, then often doing something that doesn't aggravate it help it to recover faster. It's like the ropes in my wrist have got burned by being dragged through the carpel tunnel at the wrong angle but dragging them through at the right angle helps them recover.
Some people also find that they recover quicker if they put their wrist in a splint overnight so they can't bend it while they are asleep. Some people sleep with their wrist bend at 90 degrees which can harm it.
If you want to understand what's going on anatomically, you can start with the Finkelstein test which is described here:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/de-quervain-tenosynovitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371337#:~:text=You%20may%20be%20asked%20to,likely%20have%20de%20Quervain%20tenosynovitis.
It's test for a specific problem called de Quervain tenosynovitis.
I have that, but I have something else too, that I can't pin down.
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Author: lydian
Date: 2023-11-21 19:58
This has been touched on already. But I think it’s important to consult a teacher to get your technique sorted out. With proper technique, you shouldn’t be having these issues, even playing 3 hours per day, with frequent breaks of course. I’ve been playing 3-4 hour gigs all my life and never experienced anything like this unless I was holding the instrument wrong. None of my bandmates have had such issues either. So you're probably doing something wrong that a teacher could identify and fix pretty easily.
Low hanging fruit would be to play with a neck strap and sit your instrument on a stand when your not playing in order to take as much stress off your hands as possible. This is something to do after you’ve had enough of a break to recover from your current injuries.
Post Edited (2023-11-21 22:41)
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2023-11-22 09:38
Reese, on 11/19 you wrote:
>Welp. I've done it. Despite my promise to take a break, I didn't, and now the >pain has gotten so bad in my left hand tendons my fingers are seizing.
>I feel so stupid
Then on 11/20 you wrote:
>I haven't played at all today and it feels so strange.
>Maybe I can beat this and return to playing later. I guess this gives me time to >explore my other interests-- but the problem is most of my hobbies (computer >coding/ repair, instrument repair, writing, etc.) require my fingers. Perhaps I can >hone my penchant for acrobatics?
First, let me comment on your fingers seizing. If you mean that they naturally want to curl when you try to stretch them out, this may possibly be a sign of what is called "dystonia". A dystonia muscle is simply one that "self contracts" when you try to use it. If you feel that my definition describes your condition very accurately, then, and it pains me to write this, it may be "game over" for you. Again, if you try to straighten your fingers to hit a key and they simply refuse to extend and remain "frozen", to me this is a sure sign of dystonia and focal dystonia for any musician usually ends their career.
IMHO, if you have finger focal dystonia, the neural programming for this condition was done with your clarinet. This means that other interests which require the use of your fingers should not be affected.
Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself...and please...see a hand specialist before you try playing again.
Edited for a spelling error and rewording of my last comment.
Post Edited (2023-11-28 06:45)
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-11-22 11:01
Hi Reese,
As you can see, you have a lot of people here who are genuinely very concerned for you. But our ability to offer you help and support ultimately comes down your ability to offer us all the relevant details relating to the problems you are having.
I think that we are all wondering at this point why you have not had medical help. There could be several explanations for this, for which I believe you should not feel ashamed to share. We want to help, not make judgments regarding the situation of a minor.
I think I am speaking for all here, and also if I say that you will need to help us more here with information, in order that we can reasonably have a chance of helping you.
Best regards. Julian
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-11-22 13:12
Hi Reese,
I'm really sorry that this coversation is becoming so heavy. I think that your situation is triggering anxiety for people who have had bad experiences in their own life, and they are reacting to that by posting quite intense messages.
Is there somebody in real life that you can talk to about this?
I think it would be better to go to your parents and ask for their help now if you can do that.
Julian told me off list that he is really concerned that you may have no one in real life that you can talk to, and that you may be in serious difficulty. I think he would be extremely grateful to hear reassurance from you, that you do have an adult with you there who is willing to listen and help.
Jennifer
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-11-22 13:44
Gosh!....I just can't wait to find out what I will have said next and am feeling about it.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: donald
Date: 2023-11-25 01:14
Hey Julian, Jennifer may have made a bit of a faux pas there, but it was very well intentioned- that is clear. BOTH OF YOU are very serious about helping Reese and that's what matters most. I've made online mistakes before ("outing" someone with a neurological condition without taking into account that was his/her personal and private issue) and thankfully was forgiven. Let's focus on Reese, Jennifer just meant to help him.
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2023-11-25 03:27
Sorry - yes, I just meant to help.
Once again, online discussion proving to be tricky.
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-11-25 12:32
Hi Donald,
You are right. Publicly referring to a clearly expressed private email from the angle of psychoanalysis of its sender to discredit their position in a matter on which you happen to disagree with them, is indeed a bit of a faux pas.
Intentions were good, hence I forgive . Methods were not , hence I state why.
End of story.( at least in my mind)
If Reese offers us the opportunity to help him, I'm sure we will all do our very best, both collectively and individually.
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2023-11-25 17:17
Hi All,
I have watched this thread with amazement and a little bit of horror. If we use the Law of Parsimony as a guide, Reese should stop playing and seek medical attention. How many times can we say the same thing?
Let's give it a rest, OK?
Hank
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The Clarinet Pages
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