From rgafner@comcast.net Mon Aug 07 09:35:40 2006
Subject:Re: Back/shoulder/hand pain

IMHO this is going to be an issue for everyone on the list. Given
the demographics of the group, a group of mostly older players who
remember a sound from the past and then want to continue with that
after the technology and the arms and fingers have changed.

A routine of slow paced, intelligent stretching, for a period of
time, before each time of practice or playing, was probably something
all of us could have/should have done 20 years ago. But I suspect
that it's not too late to start gently and work to more flexibility
and less stress/damage.

Recently I saw both Wakeman and Emerson on different evenings on
their recent tours, on different instruments, pause between
repertoire selections to shake out the hands, stretch the hands and
wrists. Emerson, has been plagued with major surgery and rehab for
years, and Wakeman, though not as public as he has aged, appeared to
be watchful of his instrument interface (hands) as well.

Stretching, relaxing, cooling, heating all have a value, even now at
this late hour. I have recently revisited the piano accordion and
that is a real workout for me, with arms at strange angles and
fingers, especially the left bass with buttons, especially the fourth
finger (ring). I've have to carefully time my practice with small
increases in duration and "squeezing" to keep all my lats and traps
from slight muscle pulls that come from expansive arm movements.
Plus the unit is probably 20+ lbs. Reminder to lift from the floor
with knees bent slightly!!!!

RG