Piano Tuning And Ergonomics

[Ward & Probst]

Jim,
I bought mine here and they have some info on them:
http://www.1birkenstockstreet.com
They are available at many other places, just search the web or check your
local stores.

Best,
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 Jim Dally
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 11:13 AM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Re: Piano Tuning And Ergonomics


Hello:  What are birkenstock shoes?  I'm looking for some comfort.  Thanks,
Jim Dally jdally@knox.net
----- Original Message -----
From: Ward & Probst <wardprobst@cst.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 10:31 AM
Subject: RE: Piano Tuning And Ergonomics


> 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
>
>