Phil - I’m currently going through a bout with what I believe to be an ulnar nerve problem that has pain near the elbows as a focal point. I gave up playing for a fair while, and am still going easy on it. By changing how I do things and the position of my arms while sleeping (stuff wrapped around them to keep the elbows mostly straight), it looks like it’s going to be possible to control it. My guess is that you’ll be able to control your situation, as well, after some time away and assistance from a competent therapist.
One key is to take frequent breaks from what you’re doing. It’s also important to pay attention to the heights of your work surfaces; the ideal is to have the work surface several inches below your elbows when your arms are down by your side. Anything higher makes you use the shoulders too much, and anything lower makes you hunch over too much.
These are just a few thoughts; getting with a therapist who is adept at listening to you and helping you to problem solve your particular situation is the best deal. Will continue to offer up prayer for you and yours.
Phil,
I had some serious neck and back pain from a car accident. There was swelling and nerve damage that caused tingling sensations through my fingertips. I was getting little releif from conventional physical therapy. I happened to meet someone who also suffered similarly (car accident) and they recommended I try Neuromuscular massage therapy.
It worked for me. Several years later I was in another car accident and the pains returned. I went back to the Neuromuscular therapy and I was able to get over the second setback in less time than the first.
I’m not suggesting Neuromuscular therapy is right for you… just that I was able to find other options than the one prescribed by my doctor.
Keep an open mind to this, that’s probably the strongest advice !!
Hi Guys,its been some days since I’ve built any whistles and the pain seem to be subsideing.(not sure of the spelling)
The shooting pains under the arm areless frquent and the pins and needle is the left hand have stopped.There are still other symptoms but I’m sure that with rest and time they will also heal.As you can imagine the mind has been doing some strange things over the last few days in coming to terms with this condition and I must say that now I’m not feeling that its the end of the world.
There are so many things I can still do and I give thanks for the fact that it has not effected my whistle playing ,it just gives me more tome to practice and write so that is one advantage.Life goes one and I’ds again like to thank you all for your concern and good advice.
On another subject,we spoke to the consultant about my mother yesterday and he said that the right side of her brain is completely dead so there will be no recovery only a life of vegetative collapes,she has no emotion and no movement in the left side,even ,he said that she would not even respond to rigorous therapy.
It’s very strange to think that two months ago she was still working and also travelled to Italy for my wedding and seemed very well.
So,quite alot to deal with at the moment.
I’m going to see Mike McGoldrick tonight so this will take my mind off this for a bit.
All the best
Phil.
Phil,
I hope this finds you better than back in June. I too am in the process of healing an arm rsi. By now you have probably found some healing modalities that work for you. Let me put in a plug for physical therapy. I am working with an excellent PT whose treatment gives me immediate relief. More importantly, she has given me very specific stretches and exercises that I can use when I need them.
Most importantly, remember to listen to your body. It will tell you what is working for you.
Best wishes - Joel
Phil,
I am so sorry. But don’t give up hope - it will get better, I have a feeling it will. But, in the meantime, keep up totally positive thoughts and listen to as much music as you can - I am a firm believer that music is the strongest healer!
Peace be with you,
Sara
“Here comes the sun”
Here are some informational web sites which detail this condition in various stages.
Musicians and injuries
http://www.engr.unl.edu/ee/eeshop/music.html
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other symptoms related to arthritis
http://www.focusonarthritis.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=313&rd=1
http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/repetitive%20stress%20injury/default.asp?s=1
Repetitive Strain Injury - RSI
http://home.clara.net/ruegg/
http://www.engr.unl.edu/ee/eeshop/rsi.html
Typing Injury homepage
http://www.tifaq.com/
You may also get some good info from
http://www.webMD.com/
type Repetitive Stress Injury or Repetitive Strain injury into the search field.
Best wishes
Robert
When it rains it pours, Phil. However, whoever said “yoga” is on the money - check out Yehudi Menuhin’s story, he got RSI in the 1950s and had to stop playing the violin (his whole life as you can imagine). He then took up yoga and problem solved - and he continued with both as I understand it to the very end (another 45+ years).
So sit tight, have belief in your healing, take up yoga and it’ll happen. Meanwhile, I would be VERY interested in some low whistle lessons - I live near Watford, England. Where are you?
I have suffered some with this disorder, and also with a bum left shoulder. It is important to begin to jealously guard against anything trivial that can cause exacerbations, while learning new ways of doing the things you love. (I’m a professional orchestral flutist - I’d recently wanted to learn to play the Irish flute, but gave that idea up quickly when I saw the reach would cause further problems with my hands and forearms. I guess it will be high-pitched whistles instead!)
Anti-inflammatory medications are useful to take during exacerbations. Also, at least in the U.S. one can get a Ketoprofen gel from a compounding pharmacy, and apply it directly to the affected areas. Most doctors don’t know about this, but are willing to prescribe it, once they know its available. It is commonly prescribed by sports medicine doctors. I’ve found it VERY useful during long runs of nightly shows.
I believe there is every chance you will be able to make whistles again. Take heart, and let us know how things are going.
Hey Phil ~ just wondering if you’ve noticed any difference since you got the book…if you’re doing the “rites” that is. Inquiring mind here. (You too Stewysmoot) Gm
Hi GM,yes the rites seem to be working out fine and the diet is good also both Bruny and myself are following the diet and it has made a difference.
Thanks once again.
Phil.