 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: oboeagogo
Date: 2012-04-26 16:28
At the end of my undergraduate studies I started having problems with my right wrist and thumb. I went to a doctor then a specialist who wanted to fit me for a support splint. Ugh, I don't so much care for anything the restricts movement. What helped me most and has continued to be a common practice for me when I feel any discomfort is stretching and massage.
Stretching before AND after practicing for only a minute or two is beneficial. The key is to hold the stretch long enough for the muscle to quit fighting the stretch and relax into it. Pay attention to how it feels and you will notice when the tension is released and a true stretch begins.
Think of hand position and the placement of the hand on the oboe as two different things. Drop you hand to your side and notice the gentle curve of the fingers; this is how a hand functions normally and you'll want to try to mimic that on the oboe. To hold the oboe and keep this natural curve I have to place the pad of my thumb facing the oboe and the thumbrest directly over my thumbnail (rather than in the nook right behind the nail but before the joint). If the thumbrest is placed too far up the thumb you'll end up pulling your fingers back toward your palm to cover the keys possibly creating tension.
Know when to rest. I try to take a break of 10 minutes of each hour I practice or even 5 minutes every 30 minutes or so. This rests my chops and my hands. Good time to stretch and keep the breathing going. As oboists practicing has to be economic.
Make sure your oboe is in good adjustment. Leaky keys will cause you to press harder creating tension. Using just the required pressure to activate the key is best and contributes to relaxed playing and better technique.
These are things that have worked for me. And to date I have no serious recurring/chronic pain. Best of luck to you
oboeagogo
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TrueFinlandishness |
2012-04-25 12:58 |
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valoboe |
2012-04-25 13:21 |
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mjfoboe |
2012-04-25 21:33 |
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GoodWinds |
2012-04-26 02:08 |
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oboi |
2012-04-26 08:29 |
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valoboe |
2012-04-26 13:43 |
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huboboe |
2012-04-26 15:57 |
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Re: RSI and Tendonitis new |
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oboeagogo |
2012-04-26 16:28 |
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oboesax |
2012-04-26 20:59 |
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RobinDesHautbois |
2012-05-02 00:17 |
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The Clarinet Pages
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