Piano Tuning And Ergonomics

[John M. Formsma]

Phil,

I am starting to get the same kind of numbing, although not as severe.
Recently, my fiancee told me about something her uncle does. Basically, it
is acupressure, or myotherapy. The uncle worked on me for about 20-30
minutes, and I felt better than I've ever felt going to my chiropractor
(although he is good, too). There were some techniques that he did
especially on my tuning arm which made it feel quite good again.

He recommended a book by Bonnie Prudden called _Pain Erasure_.

I just ordered it and the other book below from Amazon.

1  "Pain Erasure : The Bonnie Prudden Way"
Bonnie Prudden; Paperback; @ $10.80 each
Usually available in 24 hours

1  "Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome : And Other Repetitive Strain
Injuries"
Sharon J. Butler, et al; Paperback; @ $16.15 each
Usually available in 24 hours

I do not know anything about the CTS book, but the reviews spoke highly of
it.

I was doing fine until last week. I had to pitch raise and tune a 1-yr-old
Baldwin grand. Talk about tight pins!!  There ought to be a law against it,
IMO. :-) Anyway, my hand has been tingling since then. Gotta find something
to help or quit tuning Baldwins (which I wish I could afford to do.)  :-)

Hope this helps.

John Formsma
Blue Mountain, MS



-----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