Did you ever have carpal tunnel surgery? How long before you could perform again?
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 611
    This is a problem many years in the making, and it is not long before the pain and numbness becomes intolerable. My mom had it done in both hands and was back to work in six weeks, but she's not a musician so I don't know if that changes things. If you've been through this, what was it like and how long were you unable to play? I'm thinking ahead now because I may schedule the surgery for summer, depending on what my doctor says.
  • Mary Ann
    Posts: 49
    Hello...carpal tunnel surgery was performed on both wrists in 1985 at age 42, the first wrist in October, the second in November. I experienced no difficulty playing the organ for Christmas Midnight Mass, which would have been about 6 wks. after the Nov. surgery. The condition has returned somewhat over the years, but surgeon warned me it could. So far it hasn't impacted my playing for which I'm grateful. Prayers for your successful outcome!
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 611
    Thank you. It's a complicated problem, as I am also experiencing significant discomfort in my right shoulder. Most of that is coming from muscle tension, which is temporarily relieved by chiropractic adjustment, but I am beginning to wonder if there is a more serious issue with the rotator or something else. I cannot sleep without wearing a wrist brace, and the nights where that doesn't help and I wake up numb are increasing. So it seems like six weeks is the magic number. Did you need any physical therapy?
  • SalieriSalieri
    Posts: 3,177
    This may sound strange, but I have it from a good, holy, traditional priest that acupuncture really works - it may help, temporarily, with the shoulder issue. And I am being serious, here.
  • CHGiffenCHGiffen
    Posts: 5,192
    acupuncture really works - it may help, temporarily, with the shoulder issue. And I am being serious, here.
    And I'm sure you're not poking fun (or needles) at anyone, too.
    Thanked by 1Gavin
  • CharlesW
    Posts: 11,978
    I have never had it, and most of the folks I know who did have it were pianists. Being a gym rat with years around weightlifting, I know that consulting with someone who specializes in sports medicine is a good idea for wrist or shoulder injuries. They can often either help you, or get you to someone who can, like a good rehab therapist.
  • Mary Ann
    Posts: 49
    No, I did not need physical therapy.
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 611
    My chiropractor is a licensed acupuncturist, he's used it on my husband's sciatic nerve pain but never on me- not sure why. Maybe I will ask him?
    @CharlesW- twenty years of playing piano and violin, logging four to six hours a day on each instrument during my high school years, is most likely what caused it! Lord knows I couldn't keep that regimen now... I will try ANYTHING before shoulder surgery, though. That is a death sentence for most violinists, one of my closest friends had both of his operated on. He still plays but it will never, ever be the same. :(
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,477
    I have had good results with a structural integration therapy, which is a form of deep massage. (This is also sometimes called "rolfing," though it seems the more serious practitioners are leaning away from that name.)

    FYI: SI is about where chiropractic was 30 years ago --- a core of real, helpful modalities surrounded by an avalanche of complete nonsense. Some of the people who do it understand what they're doing and why it is helpful, while some of them think they are helping you restore your aura or energy. So, don't be scared away by the weirdness, there are some helpful therapies to be found there.
  • GavinGavin
    Posts: 2,799
    This is also sometimes called "rolfing,"


    As opposed to rofling
    Thanked by 2Adam Wood ryand
  • bhcordovabhcordova
    Posts: 1,164
    I had carpal tunnel so badly that I was considering surgery, then I found a non-surgical solution. I will PM you about it.
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 611
    Thanks for the message, I will check it out.

    I'm no stranger to medical weirdness. I've been using natural remedies for years, home birthed my kids, and generally approach every MD as a potential butcher that will drug me before they cut me into little pieces. (And sadly, this fear has been justified many times), so you see my reluctance for surgery.

    I will ask my chiro about structural integration. He's pretty hippy-dippy out there and probably knows about it! Rolfing lol sounds like what my cat does on the floor after he eats too much...
  • CharlesW
    Posts: 11,978
    There are individuals who have this to the point that surgery is the best option. For many others, it can be alleviated by finding the causes of inflammation and reducing or modifying them. One cure doesn't work for all.
    Thanked by 1Adam Wood
  • bhcordovabhcordova
    Posts: 1,164
    That is true, Charles, but, IMHO, since surgery is irreversible, it should be the remedy of last resort.
    Thanked by 1CharlesW
  • CharlesW
    Posts: 11,978
    That is true, Charles, but, IMHO, since surgery is irreversible, it should be the remedy of last resort.


    No disagreement there! I am the polio survivor who has a natural aversion to doctors. My last doctor went to the big insurance reimbursement center in the sky - I outlived the scoundrel. LOL. I am looking for a good osteopathic medicine specialist next, since they seem to incorporate the best of two worlds - medicine and the body's ability to heal itself. There are often multiple ways to heal and they can complement each other leading to more successful outcomes.
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 611
    Good point there. I've probably been relying on the same treatments for too long. Before about a year ago I could get adjusted, get a massage once a month, and I could get by. Then I started to put "band aids" on the problem, using tens unit at home, heating pads/ice packs, then started "abusing" Biofreeze during rehearsals to numb the sore spots and practice longer hours, a trick I am ashamed I passed on to several colleagues lol...of course that did more damage.
    So yeah, I do need some different treatments...safe ones lol.
  • ghmus7
    Posts: 1,483
    I have had the problem myself. I would say - DO NOT HAVE SURGERY. There is a wonderful book which features streaching exercises for the arms back wrists and hands. Through these exercises, I was able to eliminate the problem. Also, changing my technique based on the Taubman piano technique eliminated the cause of the problems.
    I am not a doctor, however if you email me privatly, I can get the title of the book for you, and advise you for a Taubman-based teacher. I would really try those things first rather than costly and invasive surgery. The probem is HOW you are using your hands, most times we are not aware of what we are doing to cause pain. Physical therapy does not help because this inefficiency of motion problem is not addressed.The significant part of your post is that you say you have muscle tension. That is often a sign that you are DOING some kind of incorrect movement in your playing that is creating this tension, and that certainly is changeable.
    ghmus7@hotmail.com
  • Ally
    Posts: 227
    I would echo ghmus7's advice above. I studied piano in my undergrad with a teacher in Chicago who focused on technique that avoided injury, and that incorporates exercises to remove tension from the hands, wrists, and forearms in particular. My teacher, along with her teacher (the CSO principal keyboardist), were known for rehabilitating injured pianists, especially concert pianists that depended on their playing for their livelihood. Additionally, if you teach, it would be important to incorporate this so that you are not passing on poor technical advice. I certainly would seek out a teacher well-trained in one of these methods and look at other options before surgery.
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 611
    I don't currently teach, and paying for lessons is financially out of the question right now. Most of the tension is from violin playing, and also from chronic back problems as a result of two serious vehicle accidents. I fared better when I was getting regular adjustments and massage therapy, but even though my chiro is extremely lenient with payment I don't want to incur any further debt right now. I will look into the method ghmus suggested. Surgery is definitely a last resort.
  • ghmus7
    Posts: 1,483
    I found the title of the book that helped me: Conquering Carpel tunnel Syndrome and other repetitive injuries. Here's a link:

    http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156154.Conquering_Carpal_Tunnel_Syndrome_and_Other_Repetitive_Strain_Injuries
  • CharlesW
    Posts: 11,978
    This book is available used on Amazon for as low as 40 cents although a better copy goes for around $4.00 or so. I am getting one.
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 611
    Awesome, I can afford that lol!
  • lmassery
    Posts: 422
    For keyboard, I highly recommend the Taubman approach to piano technique. I used to have severe tendinitis in both arms and was totally cured by this method. Lessons are expensive but there are some introductory DVDs available. PM me if anyone wants more details
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