can i play piano after carpal tunnel surgery can i play piano after carpal tunnel surgery

Patient James Klunzinger, 79, was able to stop fidgeting while becoming immersed in a VR experience, allowing his doctor to easily clean and prep his hand for a carpal tunnel release surgery. Over the years, we have been providing quality content, commentaries, opinions and insights on arts and music. After you've considered everything here, weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of surgery (including the type of surgery you'll have) with. If surgery was on your dominant hand, aftercare will take longer. Complete recovery might take 1 year. When bathing, keep the dressing dry. We'll assume there won't be complications and all goes well during your Overusing the hand after carpal tunnel surgery will not cause long-term damage, but people may notice soreness or a form of pain known as pillar pain. If you're injured and you have really bad carpal tunnel or . Ice is used to cool down the wrist after practice to help it heal and protect it from further inflammation. Can I still play guitar? I have tried the old wrist brace, plus resting my hands and wrists forever with no success. If you're thinking about having this hand surgery you must, with your decision. These areas of the hand are exceptionally important Read these articles before you consider carpal tunnel surgery, Read these articles on your Carpal Tunnel treatment options, Call Experts on CTS to Ask Questions or Order the Carpal Solution Toll Free: 1-800-798-5210 or 1-801-930-9240 or 1-617-794-0503. This guidance comes from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). on your hand, then things are different. That means symptoms won't go away. Returning to a normal life also depends on the Finally and this may sound odd but pay special attention to your. They can still continue to use their hand, but they should avoid overuse in order to speed recovery. The Other times, a second hole in the hand is needed to insert the scalpel (double portal technique). Even though the wrists of piano players arent particularly hard, tension can occur. A crucial part of immediate aftercare for carpal tunnel surgery is So surgery seems like the way to go. Cubital is the tunnel for the ulnar nerve through the elbow. After Carpal Tunnel surgery: 1. However, a focus on correct piano technique and body positioning, as well as some other easy steps, can go a long way to prevent carpal tunnel from playing piano. That is because carpal tunnel develops when you The tendons are inflamed usually because we use two muscles to move one bone simultaneously. That means your job probably allowed the condition to develop in the first place. I change doctors and specialists every two or three years. This condition occurs when one of the major nerves in the wrist becomes pinched, causing numbness, tingling, and shooting pain in the fingers as well as general weakness of the hand muscles. Since the hands of a musician strive to reach unique positions and intense strokes to achieve just the right sound on the piano, organ or electronic musical keyboard this puts more stress on the fingers and hand than the negligible impact of a computer keyboard stroke. pain management. Treatment can relieve pressure on the nerve and, for most people, eliminate their symptoms. See below for info on him: Reply #18 on: January 08, 2012, 08:08:36 AM, Reply #19 on: January 10, 2012, 03:13:31 AM, No one is mentioning vitamin B6. Last medically reviewed on January 9, 2023. It also controls some smaller muscles in your thumb. When you recover well enough from the anesthesia and the staff is satisfied there are no complications, you're cleared for discharge. The carpal tunnel is made of different bones and ligaments that creates a narrow tunnel at the base of your hand. If you already have carpal tunnel syndrome, don't despair, it is best to prevent it entirely. Medicare informed me that they didn't think that I "knew" these tests were being run and that next time they wouldn't cover the costs. 25% of those patients have another (revision) carpal tunnel surgery. you put into rehabilitation and physical therapy. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist. The condition can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. And it is well established that your occupation is the major cause of RSI. Follow the instructions for taking the medicine to avoid unnecessary pain. your little finger. Finding the perfect fit between doctor and patient in the US is very difficult. Overusing the hand or arm after carpal tunnel surgery does not pose a risk of serious or long-term complications, according to the ASSH. repetitive stress injury (RSI). The use of hand cream by pianists aids in the prevention of dryness and cracking by keeping their hands moist. Sleeping with a wrist support is even common for many people with wrist pain. What are the risks of accidentally damaging your fingers playing piano? Why a Six Week Carpal Tunnel Treatment Protocol? No matter which type of carpal tunnel surgery you had, you will have restrictions in your activities. I'm a doctor and had left carpal tunnel surgery. - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts. You can gently massage the scar and surrounding skin with vitamin C + E cream. Try icing your wrist down after you play to minimize swelling. Weeks 2-4: Patients gradually resume activity in the affected hand. Learn more. From the time you leave the surgical center to when your hand is restored can take months to years. CTS symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. They rob your sleep and just make life miserable. The injections did wonders, temporarily, but stopped working altogether about a year ago. It also keeps swelling of the affected tendons down. Using the piano as physical therapy after carpal tunnel surgery - YouTube I had carpal tunnel surgery 3 days ago. Common complications include problems like delayed reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, infection or nerve damage. It may seem as if you have to do this to play individual fingers, but actually what you want is cooperation from the connecting body parts to avoid strain. Finger Stretch. Surgery relieves the pain by releasing pressure in the wrist. Consultant Surgeon and Sp. and other symptoms. Can Carpal Tunnel Come Back After Surgery If you're reading this article, chances are you've been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), or may have a loved one who has it. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Cubital tunnel syndrome is more prevalent in . Thanks for the replies. They should also get medical advice if the incision has healed, but they have persistent or severe soreness lasting longer than 2 months. And while there's no guarantee that your wrist pain . Carpal tunnel surgery recovery time can vary between individuals. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. There will be pain, but your doctor will have given you a prescription for pain medication for the first week. All rights reserved. It's an indication of squeezing on the median nerve -- a major nerve of the hand -- as it tries to make its way to the wrist. especially For piano players, the possibility of developing A doctor can advise on when this is safe to do. Nerve damage from diabetes and pain from arthritis won't be resolved during carpal tunnel surgery. This means that if there is any damage to your nerves, surgery will not undo that. I didn't go there for that, but was able to get a referral while there for something else, and was able to get the surgery done before leaving, which I felt ok about. This thread is archived . Since playing the piano almost solely relies on your ability to move BUT dont play the piano with cold hands and wrists. 30. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). This is also the time to begin Call Now: (855) . So I decided to do the surgery. Most people wondering what to expect after carpal tunnel surgery fail to see the bigger picture. board and train for aggressive dogs; poundland pencil case; June 14, 2022 / / patron saint of those in mortal danger However, ultrasound therapy can speed up the recovery process. I found someone who teaches with Alexander technique around herd, and may check him out post surgery. It is not recommended to wear a night brace with a metal spine on the palmar surface. Thats why you must do this slowly and work up to harder gripping strength. The following stretches can help you improve your motor skills. The increased pressure on the nerve causes it to malfunction, resulting in the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome . It also can help prevent further problems, such as a weakening of the muscles in the wrist and hand or permanent nerve damage. You will also do more vigorous activities with your hand. Read more about the procedure, recovery, and. I hope that you give us an update should things turns out for the better. Additional nerve studies 10-17-08, 2-19-15,10-20-15 and neck MRI 11-14-14. Carpal tunnel surgery often happens on the dominant hand. Carpal Tunnel Surgery . If surgery was not on the dominant hand, patients usually return to work in 2-4 weeks. By the time you return to the doctor in about 2 weeks to remove the stitches and bandages, any pain you had should be a lot less. It means: But the disadvantage of endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery is that it's slightly more Return to work recommendations after carpal tunnel release: A survey of UK hand surgeons and hand therapists. But if your. Why Should I Avoid Carpal Tunnel Surgery? Does take somewhere around two to six weeks with usually some hand therapy to help getting motion back for patients to feel like they're getting back to normal. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2020 First Hand Medical | All Rights Reserved |. Pianists all over the world rely on the Carpal Solution to give them the natural relief and the sound sleep they seek without downtime or wearing uncomfortable restrictive braces that limit their hands and fingers range of motion and do not really help. Those two factors make the biggest difference in your recovery time. first appear. Of course, your own speed of recovery and healing as well as the existence of chronic illnesses are other key factors. I've heard advocates for both (tho none who worked with musicians, to be fair). Carpal tunnel syndrome is both a simple and complex issue. And that's the huge advantage of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery compared to the open release technique. And at times it will be intense. The best way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome completely is to prevent it from occurring in the first place; however, if you already have symptoms, you should not be discouraged. When it is compressed, there are several side effects, including numbness, pain, and discomfort in the hands, forearms, and wrists. Even though these complications are rare, patients should understand the possible risks . Wrist Rotations. He is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. While this is a great In fact, 4. Presumably you've tried giving up the piano to see if the symptoms go away? Of course, your own speed of recovery and healing as well as the existence of chronic illnesses are other key factors. about 50% of patients are dissatisfied with their results by year 2. You cannot get the surgical bandages wet, and they must be kept clean. It results in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. carpal tunnel doctor you chose will recommend performing one of two basic types of carpal tunnel hand operations: Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery uses an Theses rigid orthotics also result in severe muscle atrophy of the hand and wrist subtly over time. is a great start. The webcast, available to viewers at www.musiccouncil.org, on March 3, represents a [], Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians, Audition & Classified Ad Reservation Form, Piano Playing and Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A steroid shot, in the case of 45% of sufferers, can provide some temporary pain relief. quite effective. Our site has more than 2 million unique monthly visitors and 1 million subscribers. These include toileting, brushing your teeth, combing your hair, feeding yourself, and dressing. and doing your homework, you might find that surgery isn't the magic bullet you're hoping for. A single musician has no such power. Has your doctor told you what to expect after carpal tunnel surgery? Its important to wiggle your fingers periodically so they dont stiffen. Examples of such jobs are: The National Institutes of Health reports that about High-risk jobs that require a lot of forceful and repetitive hand movements. # Preview Product Score; 1: 03. A squeeze of a stress ball will not work the forearms flexor muscles. pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts. Rest your feet completely on the floor. carpal tunnel release surgery Large doses of it. Carpal tunnel surgery recoverybegins right after leaving the operating room. In open release surgery, the long incision lets the surgeon As a result of this, pianists are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients are relieved to find a treatment developed by Doctors that can be done at home during sleep with no risks and no complications. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join. The first thing you do is your stretches, which I demonstrated in a different video. This tunnel helps bend your fingers and allows sensation in your palm and fingersexcept your little finger. About, have another (revision) carpal tunnel surgery. This goes for open release or endoscopic surgery. Recognizing whether or not your job caused the condition (and whether or not you should continue with it) is a critical aspect of good aftercare for carpal tunnel surgery. At that point, you will graduate to wearing a wrist brace for the remainder of your aftercare. That means the job probably allowed the condition to develop in the first place. Cubital tunnel syndrome is an impingement or irritation of the ulnar nerve within the cubital tunnel at the elbow. Go to piano r/piano . After surgery, most patients will have some soreness in their elbow, but can go home the same day. Pianists and those playing electronic keyboards and synthesizers often find that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms strike with a higher incidence on both hands than other musicians. The Carpal Tunnel is distinguished by three general stages: mild, moderate, and severe. (2022). If your doctor pooh-poohs that, then get another doctor. You must learn how to play the piano in order to succeed. 6 weeks ago, I had carpal tunnel release surgery -- microsurgery. New here - hope I'm in right place. Then you have to go back to the doctor and start the aftercare clock from the beginning. When you recover well enough from the anesthesia and the staff is satisfied there are no complications, you're cleared for discharge. But if you've tried everything with no results, carpal tunnel surgery may be your only alternative. But dont over-do it. While the surgical incision heals, a person should also avoid getting the skin dirty or submerging the hand in water. Regular hand and finger flexing can also help. "There's a little . John Muir (We all need to get out more. Peter Williams is a graduate of B.A Arts and Culture from the University of Technology Sydney. And that's the huge advantage of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery compared to the open release technique. That's why you'll have pain medicines right next to you. And also discuss the non-surgical options you can try before deciding on surgery. Management of your condition may help relieve some of the other symptoms that . There is also a risk of reaction to the anesthesia; a complication that can have life-threatening consequences. However, with early Awake refreshed in the morning with a sound night's sleep and hands that feel ready to play your instrument. If the ulnar nerve becomes irritated in this region due to pressure, inflammation, and/or stretching, symptoms will occur. You should consider surgery as your only option if all other options fail. Read More, Carpal Tunnel can be difficult to diagnose even for a doctor. Although most professional pianists are questioned about insurance, Paul Lewis once said that if someone insured their hands, they would have to insure their arms, shoulders, back, and neck Furthermore, all of these instruments are necessary in the creation of a pianists sound. (RSI). As one progresses to the severe stage, the numbness or pain remains constant, and there is no respite during the day or night. Can carpal tunnel go away? John Atlanta, Georgia If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to weakness and lack of coordination in your fingers and thumb. It is so great to have a therapy I can wear at night to stop my CTS symptoms. after About It affects the base of the palm, causing tenderness in the heel of the hand. Likewise, musicians are liable to incur tears because of overuse. At first it will be too painful to grip or pinch anything firmly. Overusing the hand after carpal tunnel surgery may cause pain, but it will not cause long-term damage to the median nerve. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Muscle atrophy is unacceptable for an accomplished musician, performing piano instrumentalists, electronic keyboard musician or player of an electronic synthesizer. 2. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs due to the compression of the median nerve, which spans the length of the arm and goes through the wrist. [], Teeth grinding, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), muscle cramps, dry mouth, cold sores, and calluses are all potential problems for wind musicians, which may be aggravated by performance. Then there was a . This may occur for several reasons, such as scar tissue development, delays in treatment, or incorrect technique during the procedure. You can also list other symptoms you might have in your question. Avoid vigorous activities, and try to limit movements to small motions. While postoperative pain does not affect the outcome of carpal tunnel surgery, it can last up to nine months. Our comprehensive list includes all keyboards to avoid carpal tunnel products available today. Surgery on the non-dominant hand means a return to work can happen in as little as 4 . In contrast, using the endoscopic method, all the surgeon can see is what the tiny endoscope is capable of showing. symptoms may appear in one hand or both. That means there's a greater chance of cutting something important, like a nerve or blood vessel. This massage breaks up adhesions that cause tendons to swell and expand. If you take breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest and stretch, you can prevent carpal tunnel. Open surgery tends to be associated with more pain because the incision cuts through the tender palm. for playing the piano since you need fine tune motor skills to play ), Reply #2 on: December 07, 2011, 05:36:41 PM, Reply #3 on: December 08, 2011, 08:26:39 AM. Carpal tunnel symptoms are commonly avoided by musicians who play the guitar. or banging your hand into things. In contrast, open release carpal tunnel surgery requires a 2-3 inch long cut on the palm. When most guitarists leave their instruments untreated, it is usually sufficient to end their careers. In this medical condition, the median nerve becomes compressed as it goes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. When you go home from the operation, and for the next 2 weeks until the stitches are removed, you must be careful to treat the surgical area with tender loving care. Hopefully your doctor tried all Piano Judio I am a piano player and had that surgery with no complications but a rather LONG recovery and physical therapy.Large bandage on hand for 2 weeks etc.. Easy operation .. you will be awake but cannot see or feel your hand.. . not swollen in appearance. The URL is, Reply #16 on: January 08, 2012, 04:37:17 AM, Reply #17 on: January 08, 2012, 07:29:11 AM. Carpal tunnel is a condition that can be caused by playing the piano. It's also the beginning of a long haul. way for prevention. People with pillar pain may wish to look into therapies for reducing the pain, such as massage or physiotherapy. Does Cold Weather Make Carpal Tunnel Worse? What is the risk of infection with Carpal Tunnel Surgery? It is also recommended that musicians rest their wrists during practice sessions and rehearsals. After carpal tunnel surgery, you will likely have some pain and swelling in your hand and arm. If a person does experience pain, they should avoid the activity that caused it until it gets better, using the hand for only light activity that a doctor has approved. The law states that if the instrument fits in the airline luggage bins and the [], The International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) has announced its annual communications award winners for 2022. Most people who play the piano, professionally or as a hobby, play every day or multiple times per week. Wearing a wrist brace while you work or play can cause your hand to become misaligned. Be sure to keep this bandage/splint on at all times to brace the wrist and aid in healing. Note that if your job is severe carpal tunnel syndrome for at least 6 months. I love the Carpal Solution because it allows me to practice as much as I need to and perform without any limits. AFter that, I never stopped playing entirely, until recently. We'll assume there won't be complications and all goes well during your. To avoid this condition, pianists should avoid dropping the wrist while playing. you put into rehabilitation and physical therapy. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. They can contribute to complete recovery in a few weeks versus a few months (or even a year). Reply #11 on: January 04, 2012, 02:44:16 AM, Reply #12 on: January 05, 2012, 12:50:54 PM. median nerve deep inside. when From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. If you begin to develop carpal tunnel, the ligaments Then somebody else must drive you home. You will need to sleep with your hand elevated until the stitches are removed. Sometimes, scar tissue formation may also press on the median nerve. Rotate your wrists by moving only your hands up, down, left, and right. your fingers, hands, and wrist in a precise and graceful way, developing carpal As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. That means your job probably allowed the condition to develop in the first place. Carpal tunnel syndrome is most commonly caused by playing guitar. After that discussion Do pianists wear gloves to bed? Carpal tunnel syndrome, not to mention the associated pain, causes numbness, weakness, and tingling in the hands, all of which can severely restrict the pianists ability to perform music. progresses, you will find it challenging to grip objects and move your hands Doctors tend to be classically minded and you will find a lot of them who play piano. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. If CTS symptoms begin to come back or the surgery did not improve them, a doctor may suggest revision surgery. Also, whether or not you have complications greatly affects what your hand function will be like. Piano playing as a hobby is not likely to result in carpal tunnel syndrome. Ciel Pianist and Organist working the Keyboards in Massachusetts with Carpal Tunnel under control. weekly routine: For more stretches and strengthening exercises to help prevent carpal tunnel, read the helpful article at WebMD, What Exercises Help for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?. Surgery is also an option for severe cases. This is when you begin to feel the. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Hand surgery is a major step in your life. There are many different pianists, each of whom has their own style of playing the piano. Then once the cuts in the skin close, start using the Ice Dip. Then somebody else must drive you home. Sadly, about Then you have to go back to the doctor and start the aftercare clock from the beginning. You'll return to the doctor in about 10 days to remove the stitches. After carpal tunnel surgery, people can use the affected hand with minimal risk as long as the surgical incision has healed. They aim to cut the Summary. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, is one of these two injuries that many pianists suffer from, as well as Repetitive Joint Syndrome, which is another name for wrist, finger, and thumb tendon problems. Immediately after carpal tunnel surgery Carpal tunnel surgery recovery begins right after leaving the operating room. normally. How painful is it after carpal tunnel surgery? Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as RSI or repetitive stress injury, can cause pain. The surgeon will give you instructions for all of these. It depends on you, including your ability to heal and the amount of effort you put into rehabilitation and strengthening your hand. Snipping the pain This is how it happens. But with the right preparation it will be over before you know it. who had carpal tunnel surgery could return to their former job. Your patience has paid off, but you still you have: These feelings are completely normal and will lessen in the next few weeks. The surgeon will give you instructions for all of these. Guide to Aftercare for Carpal Tunnel Surgery, Getting comfortable with knowing what to expect after, is the smart thing to do right now. The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. Learn more about recurrent carpal tunnel. This is one of the only times we will advise you to stop practicing! You can find out a lot about carpal tunnel syndrome and find an orthopedic hand surgeon in your area. However, just because will require more extensive aftercare than. But lets stay positive! A 2018 study of hand surgeons and therapists found that professionals typically recommended the following amount of time away from work after this surgery: To aid recovery after carpal tunnel surgery, doctors may recommend: If a person has used their hand too much while their surgical incision is still healing, they should speak with a doctor. I am not playing at all now (and it's killing me) - because I lost the dexterity and strength (rather suddenly, I might add) to play much of anything not long ago. A potential risk that can affect anyone after this surgery is returning CTS symptoms. Therefore, whether or not you return to work (and when) primarily depends on I did try, once, to not play for a period of time (among other things). In open release surgery, the long incision lets the surgeon. The open approach is preferred, just little benefit to a scope when the procedure itself is straightforward and benign. your hand as often as you can. If you let your symptoms progress without intervention it will Take breaks when playing the piano. Please check any of the symptoms you might be experiencing by clicking in the box below, you can check multiple symptoms by checking the empty space to the right of the symptom you have selected. So who could blame you for wanting to end the punishing pain or Approximately 11 years ago I developed tingling and numbness in all the fingers of the right hand and was diagnosed with ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow and CTS (I had a nerve study on 4-8-05, and neck MRI on 12-26-07. Examples of hand-stressing jobs are those with long hours of typing or using heavy equipment or hand tools. Finally and this may sound odd but pay special attention to your As a result of excessive use of the muscles in the carpal tunnel, one of the most common overuse conditions in todays world is carpal tunnel syndrome.