Numbness

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 1:07 pm

This has happened several times now where during an hour and a half band practice my right arm from the elbow up will go numb about one half to three quarters of the way through. I do have a condition where the right side of my face is partially paralized but i don't think that it has anything to do with the rest of my body. Has this numbness happened to anyone else? Any advice?

fluteplayer123 · Post by **fluteplayer123** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:09 pm

This has never occured to me but do you put your arms down for a short rest in between songs? If you don't you should. Also consider your sitting position.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 5:02 pm

If you rest your arm on the back of your chair while playing, that can cause it.

If not, try shifting the position of your arm - higher, lower, left, right, etc. Sometimes a slight position change can make a big difference.

Also, when you have rests in the music, try extending your arm straight (down but slightly away from your side). Leave your hand and elbow loose and gently shake it a bit to try to get the blood moving a bit. Sometimes that may help.

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 6:46 pm

I do rest it between songs and I don't hook it over the back of the chair. But I'll see how it goes tomorrow night and try shaking it out. Maybe it will help.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:33 pm

It could very well be something to do with your body positioning. I was reading an article written by Mr. Michel Debost [Oberlin Conservatory], and it was about body positioning. Your shoulders should be down, and relaxed [not tense, and raised]. Your elbows should be down, and in a very natural position. They should be almost as if your arms are being hung on the flute, rather than your arms holding the flute up. But, this doesnt mean having your arms tucked in. Just be relaxed, and comfortable.

Also, check your music stand positioning, and all around posture. Usually, it is comfortable and normal for the player to have his/her head turned 30 degrees to the left [give or take a little]. So, to avoid straining your neck, and inadvertantly your arms, your music stand should ALSO be slightly to your left. If you are sharing your stand with the person to your right, then turn your chair, or your body so that you arent straining yourself.

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:27 pm

I didn't see how the arms hanging off the flute would work but I tried it. The feeling is very unique. Its like at least in my mind it shouldn't work but it does. Its remarkable and the flute feels more secure than it did when I was like gripping it. Thank you.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:45 pm

You're welcome! I hope it fixes your problem!

woof · Post by **woof** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:42 pm

kflutist wrote:I didn't see how the arms hanging off the flute would work but I tried it. The feeling is very unique. Its like at least in my mind it shouldn't work but it does. Its remarkable and the flute feels more secure than it did when I was like gripping it. Thank you.

Numbness like you describe usually comes from reduced blood flow to some extremity e.g. your upper arm. If you hold your arm high you are putting more tension on your shoulder muscles, as they contract they swell and when they swell they constrict some of the blood vessels passing through that region. If the blood vessels are close to the muscle blood flow will be shut down and you will develop numbness. By hanging your elbow you are reducing tension on that group of muscles that was causing the problem. Often times as you use those muscle and they become stronger the problem may lessen on its own.