dbybee

This evening I finally played my Anglo after some months of recuperation. It feels great to be playing again. I eventually had a cortisone shot in my left wrist, which now, though many weeks later, does not hurt at all. My right wrist is a little sore, but is getting better. I have been away from it for so long, (about 6 months) that it seems like learning all over again. This may be good as it may be easier to break myself of what appeared to be some bad ergonomic playing habits. I am going to experiment with some simple pads to change hand position slightly, and basically take it easy for quite a while. Thanks again for all of your help and support. Donald

Thanks for all of the input. I quickly glanced through the articles and the one on ergonomic handles is the one I had seen before. When I get more time I will take a closer look at the design and the concept behind it. The instrument I started on was a Stagi B1, 20 button. My new instrument is a 30 button Stagi W-15-LN. I play most of the time while sitting, with both ends of the instrument in my lap. (rest the left and move the bellows with the right.) I sometimes stand when on the street, but put my left leg up and rest the left end of the instrument on my thigh. I initially felt the new instrument was more difficult to brace while playing, partially because the handles are closer to the body side of the instrument. (Not as close to the center of the ends.) I may have picked up the habit of hooking my thumbs and bearing down to help brace the ends. A small wood pad placed on the forward side of the hand rest may be enough to give the thumb a little different position, and help the problem. I also like the look of the smooth wood platform for the hand, in the article's pictures. This looks like it would give better support, keep the wrist straight, and help brace the ends as well. Some of your responses made me realize that before I start modifying the new instrument, I should go back to my shop and compare the new instrument with the old, for differences. Identifying these will be a starting point to determine why one instrument would cause a problem while another would not. (I have been traveling 168 miles round trip every two weeks for lessons, so it is not a quick jont to go check the instrument.) I have until June 1 to think about it. After that the braces come off and I have either healed and start physical therapy, or possibly cortisone injections. I therefore have plenty of time to think about possible fixes to the problem. Thanks again. Donald Bybee

I am having problems with tendonitis at the base of my thumbs, at the upper wrist, on both sides. Left side is the worse, but it also exists in the right side. I played a rental 20 button for the first 12 months with no problems, but once I switched to a new 30 button, my problems cropped up within about 7 weeks. This has been going on since the beginning of February, but only recently was I referred to an Orthapedist. I am now in two very rigid wrist and thumb braces till June 1. Then if healed, I will start physical therapy. My Orthopedist thinks it is from my hand postion while playing. I did have a little numbness in my left thumb after a couple of fast practice sessions, but nothing obvious that would have caused it. I thought I saw an article with pictures of a modified wood hand rest that provides full support for the palm, and a straight wrist. I can no longer find this article through many searches and browsing. Doc thinks my wrist should be straighter, and that I should not hook my thumbs over the end of the hand rest. I saw the article on using the foam pipe insulation to build up the rest, but I think the wood rest created more support at the base of the palm. I have a modified thumb rest in mind that would keep the thumb from hooking, plus I will need to concentrate on not bearing down so hard, with my thumbs, when I play. It is very frustrating not being able to play, as well as all of the other things you do not realize you need your wrists for. I was really beginning to have fun. I had just started to play with an ensemble of diatonic instruments, and have been performing in Old Sacramento on the streets and during Gold Rush Days, dressed as an 1850s miner. If any one can direct me to the article or a source for hand rest modifications I would appreciate it. Otherwise, I guess I am just feeling a little sorry for myself and doing a little whinning. Donald Bybee Sacramento, California