Wim's hurting back (2nd try)

[k.swafford@genie.com]

Willem Blees RPT, wrote:
>So much for her. Now I have a problem, which I hope someone can help
>me with. I have been having problems with my right shoulder blade. ( I
>am a right handed tuner).  A muscle has become very tight in teh
>shoulder blade area, and it gives me headaches. I have vibrating tool
>with a head on it, that helps, but the problem never goes away. (When
>I go to bed, I lay on the vibrator, and it relaxes the muscle.)
>(please no sick jokes here).  I saw my doctor today for my anual
>physical, and told him about it. He gave me some muscle relaxing
>pills, but he said the problem won't go away by itself. He wants me to
>go to phycial therapy to strenghthen the muscle. I said I thought I
>had a strong muscle from all those tunings, but he said the therapy
>will help develop other muscles to help the one that is sore and
>tender.  Anyone out there with a similar problem, and a solution.

Barb Barasa wrote:
>I do not have any confidence in physical therapy as anything but a
>temporary fix.  If your body is being used in an ineffective way, the
>"symptom" will just re-appear.  Just my opinion.  This is also quite
>effective for arthritis and other movement problems.  It doesn't
>"cure" the physiologic arthritis stuff, but helps the body move as
>effectively as possible.

     Hmmm.  Obviously, piano technicians are not the only people who
do not get proper credit for their skills.       @8^)>

                                             Kent Swafford

Wim,
     You need to be evaluated by a physical therapist.  Be sure
to show the therapist the exact position your arm is in during actual
tuning.  (Take your hammer.)  You may have over-developed muscles in
need of stretching exercises, in addition to needing development of
other relatively weak muscles.  Your doctor is to be congratulated for
referring you to PT;  muscle relaxants will treat the symptoms but not
the cause.  Good physical therapy may indeed be your ticket for a real
solution, because it _will_ focus on improving your body mechanics if
necessary.  Physical therapy is not passive -- it will be up to you to
follow through on any needed exercises and to practice at improving
your posture and movement patterns.

                                   Bonnie Bauer Swafford
                                   Director of Physical Therapy,
                                   University of Kansas Medical Center