Fiddler's elbow

Subject: RE: Fiddler's elbow
From: GUEST,pain gone
Date: 18 May 05 - 10:53 AM

take a look at www.paingone.com

Subject: RE: Fiddler's elbow
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 17 May 05 - 10:44 PM

Thanks everyone, for your thoughts. I haven't played since Sunday, and have a session tonight. We'll see how it goes. Willie-o, I chuckled when you asked what else have you been doing with that elbow, but now that I really think about it, it could be related to the fact that I am very physically active with little kids all day long....summer's almost here and school will be out soon. We'll see how it fares, then.

Thanks again, everyone!

KT

Subject: RE: Fiddler's elbow
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 17 May 05 - 10:29 PM

Thanks everyone, for your thoughts. I haven't played since Sunday, and have a session tonight. We'll see how it goes. Willie-o, I chuckled when you asked what else have you been doing with that elbow, but now that I really think about it, it could be related to the fact that I am very physically active with little kids all day long....summer's almost here and school will be out soon. We'll see how it fares, then.

Thanks again, everyone!

KT

Subject: RE: Fiddler's elbow
From: Willie-O
Date: 16 May 05 - 08:27 PM

I am both a fiddler and a carpenter. Have had tendonitis from carpentry, swinging a hammer too much bang bang bang. The arm brace helps to continue plying the trade (not full time any more)--so does a lightweight ergonomically designed framing hammer. Wonder if anyone has ever designed a fiddle with these considerations in mind?

Physiotherapy is very useful. A skilled practitioner can, over repeated visits, break down the congealed (bruised under skin) muscle mass that is so awkward, and also show you useful exercises and such.

Ibuprofen, a non-prescription painkiller, is sort of too effective--the best physiotherapist I saw practically freaked when I told her how much I was taking. It can damage your stomach lining, needs to be taken in moderation, with food.

By interesting coincidence, I spent the day swinging a hammer, and just got off the phone from making a down payment on a sweet handmade mandolin which I fell in love with on Saturday in large part because it was SO FREAKIN COMFORTABLE to play. Worth considering.

And just because you haven't been playing much doesn't keep it away, obviously--what else have you been doing with that elbow?

Best of luck, I really really recommend taking some physio--you will learn some very good stuff.

W-O

Subject: RE: Fiddler's elbow
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 16 May 05 - 08:00 PM

As an Osteopath I see fiddlers elbow , or tennis elbow, frequently.
As has been stated previously, it is a soft tissue inflammation, although whether muscle, tendon or tendon-sheath must be determined by inspection and tests.
Suggest strapping around the upper forearm, sufficient to restrict the flexion of the elbow, and GENTLE exercise. If it hurts after 30 minutes playing, reduce your playing time to 20 minutes.
Homoeopathic remedies Arnica sa an anti-inflammatory and Rhus Tox wil help the healing quickly, but must be taken in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
If you are going to Chippenham Festival I will be there on duty asa Festival Osteopath.
Otherwise PM me if you want more information.
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Fiddler's elbow
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 May 05 - 03:16 PM

And, tendonitis is treated differently from bursitis...

Subject: RE: Fiddler's elbow
From: Pauline L
Date: 16 May 05 - 02:54 PM

Aleve (naproxen) is even better than ibuprofen.

Subject: RE: Fiddler's elbow
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 16 May 05 - 02:18 PM

Rest is the only certain cure, tho' it can take some time.

You mught try Ibuprofen tablets to reduce the inflammation. Fairly cheap, and no prescription needed. They will reduce the pain, but won't cure anything, so if it stops hurting, don't be tempted to start using it again until it is painless without medication.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Fiddler's elbow
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 16 May 05 - 02:09 PM

See a doctor. You only have one right arm.

If you have what I had, then it is "tennis elbow," which is caused by irritation (sort of like fraying) of the nerve that starts in your shoulder, runs through a hole in your elbow, and goes down to your little finger. Whenever you bend your elbow, this nerve slides back and forth inside the hole, and in time it may swell and begin to hurt.


I wasgiven a "brace", which was really nothing but a simple band with velcro on it. It firmed up the muscles around my elbow, and it did help. It was also suggested that I do exercises to strengthen my arm. I didn't do it, though.

It would be a good idea for you to rest your elbow. Take up some other instrument for a while.

BTW, I remember an article in Smithsonian Magazine in which a doctor said that the violin was an instrument designed to destroy the human right arm.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Fiddler's elbow
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 16 May 05 - 07:45 AM

Thought this was going to be a thread about that wonderful, malty, golden-coloured Wychwood ale

Hope the elbow gets better soon KT

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Fiddler's elbow
From: fiddler
Date: 16 May 05 - 05:14 AM

Intersting - look up bursitis too!

Similar symptoms the upshot of all of it is rest (even if you have not been over doing it! - I wish

The trouble with all fiddle playing it is muscular skeletal intensive and totally (like ballet) unnatural.

Sorry a brace is a 'quick fix' but not a cure a cure is rest as much as possible, there are some tablets that the doc can prescribe wich aid the healing (coupled with rest though).

Good luck - I'd be devastated!!!!

Andy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Fiddler's elbow
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 16 May 05 - 02:48 AM

Hey Brucie, that's good!! One more curtain, then I scream!

Sorcha, makes sense to me but the thing is, I haven't been playing much at all. Then I played today for about half an hour and it was curtains. (But I didn't scream, Brucie, just grimaced) I'll look into getting a brace, I s'pose.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: FIddler's elbow
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 May 05 - 08:55 PM

Yes, it is tendonitis/overuse injury, very similar to tennis elbow. I've never had it. A brace 'might' help, but best bet is to stop playing until it is no longer painful.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: FIddler's elbow
From: Peace
Date: 15 May 05 - 08:33 PM

Fiddler's elbow
Hurts like hell though
Let me tell yo
What I mean,

My arm's hurtin
One more curtain
That's for certain
Then I scream.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: FIddler's elbow
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 15 May 05 - 08:27 PM

oops! Don't know how I posted that as a lyrics request. Perhaps one of those kind mudelves will fix it. In the meantime, maybe someone will write a song about it.

Subject: Lyr Req: FIddler's elbow
From: KT
Date: 15 May 05 - 08:18 PM

Okay, fiddlecats, have you ever had fiddler's elbow? Maybe it's tendonitis. What's the cure? Is it from overuse or from not playing enough? (I've heard both from friends who've had it) Any remedies other than stop playing??

Many thanks for any advice.

KT