Waiter, I Would Like to Order the Tendonitis With a Side of Carpal Tunnel
I am horribly burdened with Tendinitis and Carpal Tunnel. I think it’s a musicians curse. At one point, my hands were swelling so much they were inching into a larger dress size –and were loosing blood circulation. I have had my share of physical therapy, medication and medical exams, but they all come to the same conclusion. “Oh boy, you have a problem.” Through my doctors, I have learned to take some steps to help alleviate some pain. (Students, take me seriously on this, because I first started having problems at the age of 15 and it only got worse from there.)
1. Never practice for more than 15 minutes at a time without taking a break. (Which I know this isn’t always easy–just do your best.)
2. Stretch before you practice. http://musiced.about.com/od/beginnersguide/a/exercises.htm
3. If you start to feel much pain after a practice, go to a doctor!
4. If (or should I say when) you are diagnosed—do some studying up—learn how to deal with what you’ve got!
In general, if you regularly find yourself dealing with pain—please, please go to the doctor. They will be able to help you so much more than me giving you a little advice! And last but not least, never ignore the inevitable—because problems never walk themselves to the door. Happy weekend!
