The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #46115   Message #686549
Posted By: Bearheart
09-Apr-02 - 05:53 PM
Thread Name: Ulnar Nerve Compression
Subject: RE: Ulnar Nerve Compression
I am a licensed massage therapist and do Structural Therapy-- a myofascial massage similar to Rolfing. I have had good success with similar problems depending on the cause. The important thing is to figure out where the pain is originating from/first cause. For instance, you can have referred pain from nerve entrapment at the cervical vertebrae or in the shoulder. If you play harp alot (I play harp but not professionally) it is possible that the harp playing itself is causing the problem, if you are constricting the ulnar nerve by your arm position (tightness in shoulders and neck) or if you have had an injury. The good news is that if this is the problem you can very likely address it by appropriate massage and/or work with some one trained to assess your body posture, such as someone trained in Alexander technique. It may be that you can address it by changing your playing position, or that doing so will give you some relief.

I agree with Kat that acupuncture is very likely to help.

Be sure that whatever you try, you get references. Lots of things could probably help, but any technique is only as good as the practitioner. I know some incredible people in the Chicago area who get regular referrals from area doctors and PTs, when they can't help them. They are bodyworkers who also do acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Good luck!

Bekki