Piano Tuning And Ergonomics

[Ward & Probst]

Phil,
FWIW, I had similar problems for a while though not as severe. I was tuning
an average of five per day. Four things that helped me:
1)learning to tune with my left hand (I am right handed). The easy way to
start is to do pitch raises with the opposite hand. Then you eventually can
integrate to the point where you use the easiest hand (ie, the left for the
high treble in grands, bass in verticals, etc.)
2) I stand on almost every tuning and try to continually vary my posture.
You have to find shoes that you can stand in all day. For me, it's
Birkenstocks. If you can't find a comfortable position standing, sit. I am
short so I can and do stand for spinets.
3) Use a ball end tuning hammer or wear bicycle gloves or other
protection/padding on the tuning hand. I find the ball end useable w/o
gloves and so that is my solution.
4) Raise your fees to the point you can live on the number of tunings you
can realistically accomplish daily without damaging yourself.

Listen, be careful. Repetitive stress injuries are not minor afflictions and
surgery should be viewed as a last resort. If the behaviour (posture, etc)
doesn't change, there is a good chance for more injury. Take a class such as
the one Bonnie Swafford taught in Arlington- Your Body-Maintaining Your Most
Important Tool. I am sure we will offer a similar class in Reno.

I hope this helps,
Dale
Dale Probst, RPT
Member, TEAM20001
PTG Annual Convention
Reno, NV --July 11-15, 2000
email: wardprobst@cst.net
(940)691-3682 voice
(940) 691-6843 fax
TEAM2001 website: http://www.equaltemperament.com/PTG/



-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf
Of Phil Bondi
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 8:09 AM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Piano Tuning And Ergonomics


Good Morning.

I have recently developed some numbing in my R hand..I believe it is the
result of my active tuning schedule(3-4 every day i book, which is almost
every day)..I have, for years, sought out the relief that I receive from
Chiropractic care for a back condition that I was born with. I have seen my
Chiro as recently as this past Monday, and have told him of my numbing in my
R hand. He treated the affected area(Traps) and adjusted as he normally
does..as of this morning, my R hand still goes numb at any given time, at
any given position.

I have had a pinched nerve in the past that affected my R hand..treatment
for this was Chiropractic care for 3-4 weeks, and the pain went away..but..I
am wondering if what I am experiencing might be the start of
CarpoTunnel?...my Dad had both hands done and he has never had a problem
since the surgery. I don't know if CarpoTunnel Syndrome is genetic or not..

I am also wondering if I may be contributing to this condition with my
'posture' when tuning pianos..I will sit to tune unless it is a fairly large
upright, and then I am forced to stand.

Since my traps are as tight as snare drums, I am going to seek out the
relief from a Massage..this HAS helped in the past..but I am wondering if I
am contributing to my own condition with 'poor posture'...

CarpoTunnel..poor posture..numbing R hand..I'm a mess!!!

Rook