I'm a 24 year old clarinetist, who has been playing for about 14 years. Of
those 14 years, symptoms of R.S.I have existed for about twelve years. The
pain has been in my right hand and wrist, most noticeably in the right thumb
where the clarinet is placed. In reading literature related to R.S.I and
clarinetists, I have found that the clarinet weighs about 830 grams, which
is considerable when practising for an hour and a half to two hours per day.
Of course, two hours is the desired practice time. Whether pain permits this
is another thing. Usually practice time is restricted to half hour lots - if
I'm lucky. I think I'm doing all of the correct things. I'm playing for half
an hour and then having up to a ten minute rest, stretching my fingers and
my arms. I stretch before the practice and after, and I still experience
pain. I would describe the pain as being almost a burning sensation, with
fatigue, and cramping in the muscles. I have also noticed that my hand tends
to swell up after a hefty practice session. I use clarinet straps - I don't
know what straps are like elsewhere but here in Australia they are a bit
rubbishy. People that I have spoken to have said that a strap only lasts 2 -
3 months before the elastic gives out, the weight of the clarinet is
transfered to the neck causing additional problems and the strap also gets
in the way of playing.I use clarinet supports - which are supposed to spread
the extra weight over the upper body, and do so but asthetically they are
UGLY! Performing with them does not seem to be an option. Have also tried
thumb cushions, moulded thumb supports, and saxophone straps - but you need
to add a hook to the clarinet.
Treatments that have been tried:
Alexander technique
Chiropractor
Physiotherapist
Occupational therapist
Naturopath
Accupuncture
and Iridology
I think that is all - there have been a few! Also have seen a few general
practitioners.
I am currently trying to change my posture and hand postion but old habits
die hard!
For my research component of the Bachelor of Music Teaching I am undertaking
the topic of R.S.I in clarinetists. If anyone has any hints or information -
especially any historical references and alternative therapies - it would be
greatly appreciated.
I suspect that wasn't at all brief. There is quite a bit of information in
regards to computer users and various other music genres - such as guitar
and piano, but I have found it difficult to find information on
clarinetists, especially when the first cases were reported. Statistics
would be a big help too.
I hope you can help me.
Thanking you in advance