Likewise, musicians are liable to incur tears because of overuse. Read more, We can help you find the answers But other complications may arise like nerve damage, prolonged pain, and permanent hand weakness. Shoulder pain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints. After that discussion These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Learn how you can end the suffering. Light hand activity is unlikely to cause problems, but it may be uncomfortable. Jon Cobert I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right wrist last year (completely successful, knock wood). Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Sometimes a scalpel is inserted along with the endoscope (single portal technique). the best tool for preventing carpal tunnel. A change in technique where a relaxed wrist is more pronounced may solve the problem, but it often takes time. That's why numerous studies show that. These include the type of surgery you have, your commitment to rehab, whether or not you had complications, and your own general health. It's an indication of squeezing on the median nerve -- a major nerve of the hand -- as it tries to make its way to the wrist. Can playing piano give you carpal tunnel? 1. If the pain does not go away, a person may have pillar pain or another complication that requires medical treatment. ligaments that creates a narrow tunnel at the base of your hand. Unfortunately, I don't think I have the luxury of time to try anything else - I need to release the pressure on the nerves as quickly as possible I think. Carpal tunnel syndrome, not to mention the associated pain, causes numbness, weakness, and tingling in the hands, all of which can severely restrict the pianists ability to perform music. All Rights Reserved. Open surgery is more invasive, so it will take longer to recover. Keep the scar clean and dry. When you go home from the operation, and for the next 2 weeks until the stitches are removed, you must be careful to treat the surgical area with tender loving care. John Atlanta, Georgia 85% of these workers never return to that job. If your wrist pain is bad, then it is probably best to stop practicing until the pain abates. In this medical condition, the median nerve becomes compressed as it goes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. able to effectively treat symptoms without surgery. Some doctors never learn a new thing after they graduate med school. Ask your surgeon for specific guidelines, but you may be allowed to use your hand for non-repetitive motions within a week or two after surgery. A doctor can advise on when this is safe to do. Copyright Op 111 Productions, 2001-2022. and other symptoms. Returning to a normal life also depends on the Using the hand may cause soreness but will not cause long-term. Of course, your own speed of recovery and healing as well as the existence of chronic illnesses are other key factors. Feet dont reach the floor? It is so great to have a therapy I can wear at night to stop my CTS symptoms. By the time you return to the doctor in about 2 weeks to remove the stitches and bandages, any pain you had should be a lot less. This goes for open release or endoscopic surgery. New here - hope I'm in right place. helps bend your fingers and allows sensation in your palm and fingersexcept That means the job probably allowed the condition to develop in the first place. Monsoonmultimedia.com researched and tested every model available after keyboards to avoid carpal tunnel was developed. 30. Again, any references (I also asked her) that document anything in regards to these things woudl be most helpful! Some swelling, numbness, tingling, and reduced strength in the hand are also typical while the area heals. Many pianists experience carpal tunnel syndrome because of the hand and wrist movement while performing, particularly when stretching to play octaves. - can severely limit time spent making music on the piano. General risks of surgery include infection at the site of the incision or below the skin. Guide to Aftercare for Carpal Tunnel Surgery, Getting comfortable with knowing what to expect after, is the smart thing to do right now. ", Reply #20 on: January 15, 2012, 06:30:44 PM. About, never return to that job. I found someone who teaches with Alexander technique around herd, and may check him out post surgery. We'll assume there won't be complications and all goes well during your This helps reduce swelling and pain. And it is well established that your occupation is the major cause of RSI. Can I still play piano with carpal tunnel? 6 weeks ago, I had carpal tunnel release surgery --. You will begin to feel the above issues in the fingers and the palm and Examples of such jobs are: The National Institutes of Health reports that about During this time, it is important to avoid using your hand or arm too much so that you do not stress the incision site. The thing about carpal tunnel damage is that it's not reversible. Of course, as with all surgery, there is a risk of death, but such rarely happens during carpal tunnel surgery. These findings show us that early treatment is Rather, it will prevent further . or as a hobby, play every day or multiple times per week. Reply #6 on: December 10, 2011, 07:21:00 AM. About You will also do more vigorous activities with your hand. I sympathize with you! Why a Six Week Carpal Tunnel Treatment Protocol? It also controls some smaller muscles in your thumb. ligament that holds the wrist bones together. Treatment can relieve pressure on the nerve and, for most people, eliminate their symptoms. way to get better at the craft, it also means that your chances of suffering There's also a greater chance of incompletely cutting the ligament. A big downside is that the surgery might fail altogether. Is There a Life Hack for Carpal Tunnel? As soon as they see that medicare card they know which charges the patient sees and which threy don't. Finally and this may sound odd but pay special attention to your Also at this point, you will be able to drive a car safely. After wearing the Carpal Solution for three nights, the complete numbness that I have had in both hands (especially at night) completely disappeared. Again, this assumes you experienced no surgical complications. That's why you'll have pain medicines right next to you. Ice is used to cool down the wrist after practice to help it heal and protect it from further inflammation. Stretch. Here's the first two sections of the article: Piano-related pain can appear in many different places, including your back and neck, shoulders, elbows, forearms, wrists, fingers and thumbs. Read More, Carpal Tunnel can be difficult to diagnose even for a doctor. No doubt, you need to do, To arrive at this point about needing surgery, most patients have been living with, for at least 6 months. If you already have carpal tunnel syndrome, don't despair, it is best to prevent it entirely. Anyone who uses their hands frequently for rapid and repetitive activities is at risk of developing the condition. I actually think that my continuing to play (under an hour a day, often less than 30 minutes) may have helped me to not completely atrophy, etc., especially as I suspect that piano is not the main culprit here. 47,074 satisfied customers. While this is a great . In most cases, surgery is successful. This means a person cannot go swimming or play water sports. stressful on your hand, then things are different. Snipping the pain Other times, a second hole in the hand is needed to insert the scalpel (, Every other part of these two types of operations are almost the same. The length of time depends on several factors. They aim to cut the, that holds the wrist bones together. Harvard Professor, Dr. Jerome Grossman, MD Stated "The Carpal Solution represents a new class of medical device. especially Learn how we can help 5.6k views Reviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. Alan Ali agrees 7 thanks Since then, I have had palmar pain and numbness in the tip of my right ring read more. And the longer the median nerve stays comrpess3ed, the less chances are that will heal. Anabolic steroids, such as NSAID drugs, steroid injections, and corticosteroids, can be used to relieve pain. All rights reserved. Most people wondering what to expect after carpal tunnel surgery fail to see the bigger picture. After carpal tunnel surgery, people can use the affected hand with minimal risk as long as the surgical incision has healed. John Muir (We all need to get out more. Repeat up to four times. This includes doing repeated arm or hand movements, such as typing or using a computer mouse, washing windows, vacuuming, or chopping food. Even while you hand is in bandages, a light bang can easily rip your stitches open. during recovery. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. Reply #10 on: December 11, 2011, 09:40:24 PM. Read these articles before you consider carpal tunnel surgery, Read these articles on your Carpal Tunnel treatment options, Call Experts on CTS to Ask Questions or Order the Carpal Solution Toll Free: 1-800-798-5210 or 1-801-930-9240 or 1-617-794-0503. This is the period of aftercare for carpal tunnel surgery where most patients can return to work. Reply #1 on: December 07, 2011, 12:57:25 PM. If you dont have the complication of nerve damage as a result of the surgery, grip and pinch strength should be back to normal in 3 months. Carpal tunnel is a condition that can be caused by playing the piano. But if you've tried everything with no results, carpal tunnel surgery may be your only alternative. So who could blame you for wanting to end the punishing pain or. way for prevention. Also, whether or not you have complications greatly affects what your hand function will be like. Be sure to fill that prescription before the operation! My most recent doctor to be fired went a little too far and switched me for someone else. Doctors tend to be classically minded and you will find a lot of them who play piano. Carpal tunnel surgery is very safe and effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. When you recover well enough from the anesthesia and the staff is satisfied there are no complications, you're cleared for discharge. High-risk jobs that require a lot of forceful and repetitive hand movements. Carpal Tunnel Exercises. Its a thin tube inserted into the palm that contains a fiberoptic camera. you feel symptoms. You will also find a certain level of arrogance. Why Should I Avoid Carpal Tunnel Surgery? endoscope. The I've heard advocates for both (tho none who worked with musicians, to be fair). Overall recovery depends on two major factors. Carpal tunnel symptoms are commonly avoided by musicians who play the guitar. hand therapy after carpal tunnel surgery. will require more extensive aftercare than. about 50% of patients are dissatisfied with their results by year 2. It affects the base of the palm, causing tenderness in the heel of the hand. Regular hand and finger flexing can also help. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. Wrist splints Buy a wrist splint to keep your hand properly aligned. I did try, once, to not play for a period of time (among other things). We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf. If you are required to do repetitive wrist movements on a daily basis, wrist supports may be beneficial to your condition. A big downside is that the surgery might fail altogether. Return to work recommendations after carpal tunnel release: A survey of UK hand surgeons and hand therapists. Recurrent or new symptoms following Carpal Tunnel release can be frustrating, but you still have options. early treatment. Any of those can make the surgery aftercare more lengthy and complicated. Approximately half of patients never regain full hand function after surgery. Doctors aim to treat CTS with nonsurgical methods. Elevate higher than your hearts level because this will reduce swelling in the fingers and also reduce the pain in the wrist area. Please check any of the symptoms you might be experiencing by clicking in the box below, you can check multiple symptoms by checking the empty space to the right of the symptom you have selected. Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. repetitive stress injury (RSI). 2. There will be pain, but your doctor will have given you a prescription for pain medication for the first week. This is one of the only times we will advise you to stop practicing! It means: But the disadvantage of endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery is that it's slightly more Rotator cuff injuries are common among athletes, such as baseball players, who make powerful throws, and swimmers and tennis players who continually use overhead motions. What a relief! Musculoskeletal disorders affect 26% of musicians and affect an additional 22%. Treatment for carpal tunnel includes resting the hand and wrist, splinting the wrist, and corticosteroid injections. Most people who play the piano, professionally 01. Avoid vigorous activities, and try to limit movements to small motions. What are the risks of overdoing it after surgery? Articles that embody the work of the global labor movement are judged by experts in the field from across the industry. If you've had it, how are you doing now? Post-Doctoral Degree. And that's the huge advantage of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery compared to the open release technique. Now that I have the Carpal Solution Therapy, I can pound the keyboard just like I used to with confidence. Does anyone have any references/articles, etc. to get rid of the terrible If you are unsure what is the best solution, try it out and find out what works best for you. The carpal tunnel is made of different bones and A crucial part of immediate aftercare for carpal tunnel surgery is What are the risks of accidentally damaging your fingers playing piano? Every other part of these two types of operations are almost the same. Perhaps if I were back in time 6 months or a year I'd try Taubmann or Alexander etc PRIOR To surgery, but I don't think I have any more time. and doing your homework, you might find that surgery isn't the magic bullet you're hoping for. And at times it will be intense. If your su. The condition is caused by the compression of the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Finally and this may sound odd but pay special attention to your. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join. How Long Does it Take to Cure Carpal Tunnel Naturally? Take precautions to. I'm a skilled almost-middle-aged pianist desperate to hang onto my ability to play. This can help to reduce accumulated fluid in your hands and decrease pressure on the median nerve. The condition can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. Do I have to rest from Work to Cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Ice your wrists. your hand as often as you can. If surgery was not on the dominant hand, patients usually return to work in 2-4 weeks. After you've considered everything here, weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of surgery (including the type of surgery you'll have) with. But you should wiggle your fingers periodically to keep them from freezing up. In this case, the timing of return can take twice as long. Carpal Tunnel Pain Worse After Carpal Tunnel Surgery? 00:00:00. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. The hands can be ill from a variety of diseases, including arthritis, poor circulation, and cracked fingers. During recovery, people also need to avoid activities that strain the arms and hands or involve gripping or pinching. This is the preferred method to treat pain right at the source relying on the body's natural healing mechanisms. If you're thinking about having this hand surgery you must, with your decision. You're on the right track, just don't give up. Examples of hand-stressing jobs are those with long hours of typing or using heavy equipment or hand tools. You can gently massage the scar and surrounding skin with vitamin C + E cream. what you do with your hands at work. - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts. I decided to slowly play some scales on my piano to keep my. A 2018 study of hand surgeons and therapists found that professionals typically recommended the following amount of time away from work after this surgery: To aid recovery after carpal tunnel surgery, doctors may recommend: If a person has used their hand too much while their surgical incision is still healing, they should speak with a doctor. If you take breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest and stretch, you can prevent carpal tunnel. The best way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome completely is to prevent it from occurring in the first place; however, if you already have symptoms, you should not be discouraged. Over 80% of sufferers will eventually experience symptoms on the other side. severe carpal tunnel syndrome for at least 6 months. Playing guitar can aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome. The open approach is preferred, just little benefit to a scope when the procedure itself is straightforward and benign. it will make recovery time longer and more difficult. AFter that, I never stopped playing entirely, until recently. That means symptoms won't go away. Was talking with someone at the international foundation for performing arts medicine today who said that endoscopic surgery was most definitely NOT the way to go - that open offered the best chance of recovery without recurring symptoms. This is the area commonly referred to as the funny bone. To avoid this condition, pianists should avoid dropping the wrist while playing. But lets stay positive! When bathing, keep the dressing dry. In open release surgery, the long incision lets the surgeon Even while you hand is in bandages, a light bang can easily rip your stitches open. ), Reply #2 on: December 07, 2011, 05:36:41 PM, Reply #3 on: December 08, 2011, 08:26:39 AM. Here's an update: I had surgery about 2 weeks ago on my left wrist - done at Mayo clinic. pianists with carpal tunnel, the authors found that a delayed diagnosis of carpal tunnel surgery recovery. Wear a loose fitting rubber glove (most people prefer a plastic trash bag) on your hand and arm when showering. gaussian elimination row echelon form calculator. compression on the requires a lot of hand activity then returning may take a few months. Still in brace/dressing and typing one handed. Thanks everyone for your replies. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). How To Get A Great Direct Input (DI) Sound For Recording Guitar, Guitar Is A Relatively Easy Task That Can Be Done At Home With A Few Simple Tools, How Many Musicians And Chorus In Mozart Clarinet Concerto, How To Cure Finger Pain From Playing Guitar. It's at home, after the hand operation, that your aftercare for carpal tunnel surgery actually begins. While carpal tunnel is a serious condition that many musicians can face, it is entirely preventable with proper processes in place. Sometimes, pain around the incision site is a sign of infection. Most people who play the piano, professionally or as a hobby, play every day or multiple times per week. They rob your sleep and just make life miserable. This is also normal. Yes: If you have carpal tunnel, you generally should try to avoid activities that tend to make it worse. job function. first appear. What is the Best Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Pain? pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts. There is also a risk of reaction to the anesthesia; a complication that can have life-threatening consequences. If this continues, the carpal tunnel will be over-amplified, further damaging the median nerve. Reply #5 on: December 10, 2011, 03:00:34 AM. The gloves can actually make it more difficult to feel keys, determine the pressure required, and control phrasing, dynamics, and articulation. That means the job probably allowed the condition to develop in the first place. Sometimes a scalpel is inserted along with the endoscope (, ). Patients come to the surgery decision because these symptoms are never-ending. Packed into the tunnel, along with the median nerve, are most of the flexor tendons en route to the fingers. carpal tunnel is a real concern. Does Carpal Tunnel Surgery Cause Scar Tissue? There are many different pianists, each of whom has their own style of playing the piano. much less trauma to your hand with the endoscopic technique. If you begin to develop carpal tunnel, the ligaments Ice your hands and wrists frequently if you play the piano for extended periods of time each day.