tension

shortandsilly · Post by **shortandsilly** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 5:27 pm

yeah, for me being four foot nothing [not really but it isn't that big of an exaggeration:p] holding the flute stretches my hands out a bit. i couldn't play without a callus without pain[well..with practicing as much as i do..]. my hands are about 5 3/4 inches long with a ruler..so the callus helps quite a bit. i think i am starting to develop carpal tunnel though..(sp)? it has been really bad the past couple of days..we will see what is to come though

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 5:32 pm

If you suspect carpal tunnel, or just experience pain, you should definitely get that checked out. You may end up losing the ability to play due to pain if it's not treated.

shortandsilly · Post by **shortandsilly** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 5:41 pm

flutepicc06 wrote:If you suspect carpal tunnel, or just experience pain, you should definitely get that checked out. You may end up losing the ability to play due to pain if it's not treated.

the problem is that people are telling me to do different things about it. one of my band directors told me to see a doctor and all he [the doctor] could do is give me a brace. my flute teacher told me she had carpal tunnel[doesn't play as much anymore so doesn't experience the pain] and she said to just put my hand/wrist under warm water when it hurts..she said she went to the doctor, didn't like what he told her and never went back again. i haven't told my mom because my doctor already doesn't want me playing the flute--i broke my finger the week of a solo competition last year and wouldn't stay off. do you know what my doctor could possibly do to cure this? i don't want to stop playing..and i don't want a brace..i can handle the pain..just as long as it doesn't affect my playing in the long run.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 5:46 pm

shortandsilly wrote:
flutepicc06 wrote:If you suspect carpal tunnel, or just experience pain, you should definitely get that checked out. You may end up losing the ability to play due to pain if it's not treated.
the problem is that people are telling me to do different things about it. one of my band directors told me to see a doctor and all he [the doctor] could do is give me a brace. my flute teacher told me she had carpal tunnel[doesn't play as much anymore so doesn't experience the pain] and she said to just put my hand/wrist under warm water when it hurts..she said she went to the doctor, didn't like what he told her and never went back again. i haven't told my mom because my doctor already doesn't want me playing the flute--i broke my finger the week of a solo competition last year and wouldn't stay off. do you know what my doctor could possibly do to cure this? i don't want to stop playing..and i don't want a brace..i can handle the pain..just as long as it doesn't affect my playing in the long run.

Without treatment, it may very well affect your playing in the long run. I am not a medical professional, but I know many different options exist for varying situations, ranging from braces or physical therapy to surgery. Even just some lessons in Alexander Technique may help you find a way to play that will result in less tension and help to fight injury.

shortandsilly · Post by **shortandsilly** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:02 pm

flutepicc06 wrote:
shortandsilly wrote:
flutepicc06 wrote:If you suspect carpal tunnel, or just experience pain, you should definitely get that checked out. You may end up losing the ability to play due to pain if it's not treated.
the problem is that people are telling me to do different things about it. one of my band directors told me to see a doctor and all he [the doctor] could do is give me a brace. my flute teacher told me she had carpal tunnel[doesn't play as much anymore so doesn't experience the pain] and she said to just put my hand/wrist under warm water when it hurts..she said she went to the doctor, didn't like what he told her and never went back again. i haven't told my mom because my doctor already doesn't want me playing the flute--i broke my finger the week of a solo competition last year and wouldn't stay off. do you know what my doctor could possibly do to cure this? i don't want to stop playing..and i don't want a brace..i can handle the pain..just as long as it doesn't affect my playing in the long run.
Without treatment, it may very well affect your playing in the long run. I am not a medical professional, but I know many different options exist for varying situations, ranging from braces or physical therapy to surgery. Even just some lessons in Alexander Technique may help you find a way to play that will result in less tension and help to fight injury.

thanks so much for the information and concern..i will still have to think about it a little before going to see the doctor but i will keep your information very close to mind. who knows, you could be the one to save my entire playing career:p

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:08 pm

shortandsilly wrote:
flutepicc06 wrote:
shortandsilly wrote: the problem is that people are telling me to do different things about it. one of my band directors told me to see a doctor and all he [the doctor] could do is give me a brace. my flute teacher told me she had carpal tunnel[doesn't play as much anymore so doesn't experience the pain] and she said to just put my hand/wrist under warm water when it hurts..she said she went to the doctor, didn't like what he told her and never went back again. i haven't told my mom because my doctor already doesn't want me playing the flute--i broke my finger the week of a solo competition last year and wouldn't stay off. do you know what my doctor could possibly do to cure this? i don't want to stop playing..and i don't want a brace..i can handle the pain..just as long as it doesn't affect my playing in the long run.
Without treatment, it may very well affect your playing in the long run. I am not a medical professional, but I know many different options exist for varying situations, ranging from braces or physical therapy to surgery. Even just some lessons in Alexander Technique may help you find a way to play that will result in less tension and help to fight injury.
thanks so much for the information and concern..i will still have to think about it a little before going to see the doctor but i will keep your information very close to mind. who knows, you could be the one to save my entire playing career:p

You're very welcome. I hope what you've been experiencing is nothing and will just disappear, but for someone who needs their hands working properly, it's better to be safe than sorry, at least in my mind. Good luck!

c_otter · Post by **c_otter** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:56 pm

Short and silly,

I'm currently recovering from tendinitis (computer-work related). Please take this injury seriously. If left untreated (keep irritating it and ignoring the pain), it can result in permanent nerve damage.

First, for treatments, it is important to get a proper diagnosis. I'd recommend a doctor that specializes in sports medicine or musculoskeletal disorders. A sports medicine doctor will often understand the importance of continuing with your activity. I'd seriously consider seeing a different doctor.

I'm not a doctor, so please take the following advice to the grain of salt. I also don't know the extent of your injury, so my advice may be overkill.

Did your doctor give you a specific diagnosis? At the very least, I'm surprised he didn't recommend physical therapy. Also, I would ice the injury, not apply heat. It sounds like your injury, regardless of the diagnosis, involves inflammation. Heat may temporarily feel better, but it may increase the inflammation. Ice will reduce the inflammation, thus, help heal your injury.

There are a variety of treatment options. I'm currently getting physical therapy and deep tissue massage. Both are quite helpful for me. The specific therapy will depend on your injury.

In recovering, you will probably need to follow the steps (remember I'm not a doctor):
1. Stop irritating injury. (If it only hurts, right after you've been playing, you may not be doing too badly, and may just need to adjust your hand position, modify your flute, or play in shorter intervals with longer breaks and stretch.) However, if it hurts for a while after you've been playing, you're probably going to need a break from playing flute. It's hard, but it will be worth it the long run.

2. After the inflammation has stopped, figure out how to play the flute without hurting yourself and slowly start playing again in small increments.

3. Don't give up hope. You just need to heal and find a way to play flute that doesn't hurt. There are many options out there; you just need to find the right one.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:36 pm

I had very similiar situations about a year ago. I was having pain in my right hand and arm. I would play for about half an hour, and my entire hand, wrist and forearm would ache for up to 5 hours. With me, it was poor hand positioning. So, I would look into makeing sure that you have proper hand positioning.

Also, go to http://www.larrykrantz.com

there is a section that talks about medical issues associated with the flute and possible home remedies. So, I would defiantely see a doctor. With me, changing my hand position solved the problem entirely.

If it is just hand positioning, and it is because the flute is too far away, then perhaps look into purchasing a curved headjoint. Even though it may look strange, it will bring the flute body a lot closer to you, and could very well improve the situation. But, I understand that it may not be financially possible. Just follow everyone's suggestions [ use Ice, and not hot water, relax, and take a break every 15 minutes etc. etc.] and read up on the subject on the link I gave you.

Definately take this seriously. Being a Music Major, my professor told me that the pain I was expierianceing would make or break my career if I didnt fix the problem. I hope it gets better.

shortandsilly · Post by **shortandsilly** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:11 pm

c_otter wrote:Short and silly,

I'm currently recovering from tendinitis (computer-work related). Please take this injury seriously. If left untreated (keep irritating it and ignoring the pain), it can result in permanent nerve damage.

First, for treatments, it is important to get a proper diagnosis. I'd recommend a doctor that specializes in sports medicine or musculoskeletal disorders. A sports medicine doctor will often understand the importance of continuing with your activity. I'd seriously consider seeing a different doctor.

I'm not a doctor, so please take the following advice to the grain of salt. I also don't know the extent of your injury, so my advice may be overkill.

Did your doctor give you a specific diagnosis? At the very least, I'm surprised he didn't recommend physical therapy. Also, I would ice the injury, not apply heat. It sounds like your injury, regardless of the diagnosis, involves inflammation. Heat may temporarily feel better, but it may increase the inflammation. Ice will reduce the inflammation, thus, help heal your injury.

There are a variety of treatment options. I'm currently getting physical therapy and deep tissue massage. Both are quite helpful for me. The specific therapy will depend on your injury.

In recovering, you will probably need to follow the steps (remember I'm not a doctor):
1. Stop irritating injury. (If it only hurts, right after you've been playing, you may not be doing too badly, and may just need to adjust your hand position, modify your flute, or play in shorter intervals with longer breaks and stretch.) However, if it hurts for a while after you've been playing, you're probably going to need a break from playing flute. It's hard, but it will be worth it the long run.

2. After the inflammation has stopped, figure out how to play the flute without hurting yourself and slowly start playing again in small increments.

3. Don't give up hope. You just need to heal and find a way to play flute that doesn't hurt. There are many options out there; you just need to find the right one.

wow. that is all very scary to me. but i will definitely get it checked out. i haven't seen the doctor YET. i will try to schedule an appointment soon but my dad just had a heart attack this past friday so dr visits and things have been kind of hectic. i hope it gets better...i love my flute more than any material object just about so i will let everyone know what my doctor says once i figure it all out.

fluteguy18 wrote: I had very similiar situations about a year ago. I was having pain in my right hand and arm. I would play for about half an hour, and my entire hand, wrist and forearm would ache for up to 5 hours. With me, it was poor hand positioning. So, I would look into makeing sure that you have proper hand positioning.

Also, go to http://www.larrykrantz.com

there is a section that talks about medical issues associated with the flute and possible home remedies. So, I would defiantely see a doctor. With me, changing my hand position solved the problem entirely.

If it is just hand positioning, and it is because the flute is too far away, then perhaps look into purchasing a curved headjoint. Even though it may look strange, it will bring the flute body a lot closer to you, and could very well improve the situation. But, I understand that it may not be financially possible. Just follow everyone's suggestions [ use Ice, and not hot water, relax, and take a break every 15 minutes etc. etc.] and read up on the subject on the link I gave you.

Definately take this seriously. Being a Music Major, my professor told me that the pain I was expierianceing would make or break my career if I didnt fix the problem. I hope it gets better.

basically the same thing i said to the person above, thnk you so much for the information and concern. i will definitely get it checked out and i wouldn't doubt for a second that my hand position could be the cause..i have nvr had to worry about it much because i have nvr had an open holed flute that MADE me position my fingers on the right parts of the keys and whatnot. i have been thinking about the alexander technique also but i just need more time to find out more. i will let you know when i go to my doctor. he will probably refer me to another doctor and it will probably go from there. for the time being, i AM trying to better my hand position.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:42 pm

good. just keep in mind for tips on hand position. try to keep your fingers curved, and your wrist in a natural position. IF you have a teacher, let him/her help you out.

c_otter · Post by **c_otter** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 12:20 am

I'm really sorry to hear about your father.

Hopefully your problem isn't so bad, but it doesn't hurt to be careful.

Did your problems start with a new flute? Does the flute have inline or offset G? If the open holes are causing a problem, you can always plug some or all of them.

Good luck.