 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: purpleyclouds
Date: 2016-11-06 04:05
I have been playing for about four months now, and get pain when playing with my right thumb. The pain is in both joints of my thumb, and sometimes persists as an ache throughout the following day.
My thumbs are double jointed, both joints in the thumbs bend backwards. When I look at my thumb when playing, the first joint near my fingernail is bent backwards, and there is visible strain through the length my thumb. My thumb basically looks like a backwards arch from fingertip to wrist. I have been unable to find a posture for my thumb where I can hold the oboe comfortably without my thumb in this strained posture.
Has anyone had any experience with finding a comfortable, relaxed posture for the right thumb, especially with double jointed thumbs?
I also find that in this posture, my right index finger leans on the right Ab key, which sometimes causes problems when playing. The finger accidentally presses down on the key, or lifts the key, so the vent opens/closes and ruins the note I am playing.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-11-06 19:33
Have you tried using a support such as the RDG Bhob? Unlike slings/neck straps, they take all the weight off your right arm and thumb and still allow you to play with good posture, so would probably be a benefit if you're having trouble.
I don't know who coined up the term 'double-jointed' but if it was true that would mean you have twice the amount of bones and joints in your thumbs - only in reality it means you have far greater movement in the joints compared to the average person.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: oboi
Date: 2016-11-07 08:25
The Bhob should probably help. I have one (a Fhred) for oboe that I occasionally use when my right thumb has flare ups. However, I find it too awkward to use regularly. I feel restricted. I do almost exclusively use it for the EH.
I always angle my oboe to the right as a habit, but that might put less stress on your thumb, too, depending on if the weight goes on another part of your thumb. I will hold my EH like a sax sometimes when I am standing or using a sling.
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Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2016-11-14 04:17
I highly recommend that you read this - It's not perfect and totally ideal, but it costs USD2 dollars to make and it cured me of years of agony (until that bank account swells i can't see the prospect of a professionally designed thumbrest solution):
http://robindeshautbois.blogspot.ca/2015/11/avoid-pain-my-own-ergonomic-thumb-rest.html
http://robindeshautbois.blogspot.ca/2015/11/avoid-pain-my-own-ergonomic-thumb-rest.html (you'll see my version here which i have since modified to become a little less ugly)
All the best!
Regards,
Howard
Post Edited (2016-11-14 04:20)
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Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2016-11-14 04:20
I highly recommend that you read this - It's not perfect and totally ideal, but it costs USD2 dollars to make and it cured me of years of agony (until that bank account swells i can't see the prospect of a professionally designed thumbrest solution):
http://robindeshautbois.blogspot.ca/2015/11/avoid-pain-my-own-ergonomic-thumb-rest.html
http://robindeshautbois.blogspot.ca/2015/11/avoid-pain-my-own-ergonomic-thumb-rest.html (you'll see my version here which i have since modified to become a little less ugly)
All the best!
Regards,
Howard
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