or banging your hand into things. But if you've tried everything with no results, carpal tunnel surgery may be your only alternative. 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. I get so into my music, I pound the keyboard intensely during our band sessions. So surgery seems like the way to go. Numb HandsLoss of feeling in finger tipsWrist PainHand PainThumb PainDropping ThingsLoss of Grip StrengthChronic Sleep LossNeck PainShoulder PainFinger PainForearm PainClumsiness in HandItching PalmBurning Hand PainChronic Cold HandsHands Feel Like SandpaperIrritability / Brain FogHigh Blood PressureDifficulty buttoning buttonsGroggy during the dayElbow Pain, What is your Carpal Tunnel Question? Large doses of it. If improper movement causes it, proper movement will heal it. A person may also need extended time off work. It is not uncommon for musicians to experience TMJ, muscle strain, or focal dystonia (failure of [], The AFM spent more than a decade trying to clarify and improve the ability of musicians to fly with instruments as carry-on baggage. Symptoms can include the following: If you take breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest and stretch, you can prevent carpal tunnel. It is not always clear why CTS returns in some people, but a 2021 study suggests the cause is often incorrect surgical technique. on your hand, then things are different. Is it better to play the piano while wearing gloves or a wristband? Was talking with someone at the international foundation for performing arts medicine today who said that endoscopic surgery was most definitely NOT the way to go - that open offered the best chance of recovery without recurring symptoms. Overusing the hand or arm after carpal tunnel surgery does not pose a risk of serious or long-term complications, according to the ASSH. Maintaining proper form and doing stretches and exercises will also go a long Carpal tunnel surgery is very safe and effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Thanks for the replies. medications for carpal tunnel syndrome. occupational disease. This causes tingling, burning, itching, or numbness in the hand. After the surgery, the ligament comes back together, but. 25% of those patients have another (revision) carpal tunnel surgery. And it is well established that your occupation is the major cause of RSI. Using the hand may cause soreness but will not cause long-term. Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. Ice your wrists. This study suggests that the fear of diagnosis and They aim to cut the All rights reserved. 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?. Exactly how long your aftercare will take depends on several factors. I hope that you give us an update should things turns out for the better. Keeping up with proper piano technique, warming up with finger exercises before practice sessions, and stretching on a regular basis can help prevent repetitive stress injuries. If youre still wondering, you probably didn't get all the answers you wanted. Practicing in small segments, using proper technique, stretching the hands, and monitoring pain can help prevent carpal tunnel. A potential risk that can affect anyone after this surgery is returning CTS symptoms. If you are required to do repetitive wrist movements on a daily basis, wrist supports may be beneficial to your condition. This is the preferred method to treat pain right at the source relying on the body's natural healing mechanisms. Surgery for trigger finger is done to increase the space for your flexor tendon to move. 4. It's also the beginning of a long haul. The carpal tunnel surgery itself may pose complications. Thanks everyone for your replies. This goes for open release or endoscopic surgery. Recurrent or new symptoms following Carpal Tunnel release can be frustrating, but you still have options. Sometimes a scalpel is inserted along with the endoscope (, ). 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. Copyright Op 111 Productions, 2001-2022. YES, there will be post-surgical pain to deal with. General risks of surgery include infection at the site of the incision or below the skin. That is because carpal tunnel develops when you you put into rehabilitation and physical therapy. But with the right preparation it will be over before you know it. your fingers, hands, and wrist in a precise and graceful way, developing carpal At first it will be too painful to grip or pinch anything firmly. 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. narrows, your median nerve will begin to compress and squeeze, creating pain As one progresses to the severe stage, the numbness or pain remains constant, and there is no respite during the day or night. Click Here for some great basic information on carpal tunnel syndrome, Click Here for a brand that we have found useful, WebMD has an article with good basic stretches, Align your head, shoulders, and hips when sitting. It means: The reason is because the endoscopic technique avoids cutting the palm wide open to expose the ligament deep inside. 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. What Exercises Help for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 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. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). All patients must avoid heavy use of their hand for several weeks. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it enters the hand. Then there was a . They are on their good behavior at the start, then start advising needless tests, procedures and referrals. Feet dont reach the floor? half of patients who had carpal tunnel surgery could return to their former job. If you let your symptoms progress without intervention it will The only other major concern to think about is the possibility of. As long as the surgical incision has healed, people can still keep using the affected hand while they recover. Professions with a High Incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, The Six Week Carpal Tunnel Treatment Protocol. 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. If your doctor pooh-poohs that, then get another doctor. Do all your stretches, get loosened up, make sure the blood is circulating to the region. severe carpal tunnel syndrome for at least 6 months. Answer (1 of 2): Median nerve entrapment has been around forever. i . I've been told so many conflicting things I don't know which way is up anymore! 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. A crucial part of immediate aftercare for carpal tunnel surgery is After carpal tunnel surgery, people can use the affected hand with minimal risk as long as the surgical incision has healed. becomes important. Gentle stretching before and after playing. This is the period of aftercare for carpal tunnel surgery where most patients can return to work. Repeat this cycle 3 or 4 times and ALWAYS start with the HOT and end with the HOT. begins right after leaving the operating room. There is no need to take more than 15-20 minutes at a time. Studies suggest it has a clinical success rate of 75 to 90%. Can playing piano give you carpal tunnel? Carpal tunnel surgery often happens on the dominant hand. Most people who play the piano, professionally or as a hobby, play every day or multiple times per week. Carpal tunnel surgery recovery can present as immediate improvement for some, while it might take longer for others. Recovery time is typically short, and most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks. All Rights Reserved. There will be pain, but your doctor will have given you a prescription for pain medication for the first week. One of the most Dangerous issues with Carpal Tunnel is chronic sleep loss. Regular hand and finger flexing can also help. How painful is it after carpal tunnel surgery? If you adjust the bench height before practicing piano, you reduce your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Overusing the hand after carpal tunnel surgery may cause pain, but it will not cause long-term damage to the median nerve. Monsoonmultimedia.com researched and tested every model available after keyboards to avoid carpal tunnel was developed. your doctor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2020 First Hand Medical | All Rights Reserved |. Learn more about recurrent carpal tunnel. Because the wrists support the fingers, its natural to play the piano with your wrists. your hand as often as you can. with their results two years later. Cubital tunnel syndrome is more prevalent in . The increased pressure on the nerve causes it to malfunction, resulting in the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome . In half of cases, the mild symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome will resolve themselves by simple rest and bracing. tunnel can be devastating to your career or hobby. The consequence is the gradual decrease or elimination of symptoms like numbness/tingling, weakness, clumsiness, and pain. So who could blame you for wanting to end the punishing pain or. When the hands are weak, numb, or tingling, it is extremely difficult to work on the piano. Do I have to rest from Work to Cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? However, doctors generally recommend that people avoid certain strenuous activities for a few weeks after surgery. Examples of such jobs are: The National Institutes of Health reports that about When it is compressed, there are several side effects, including numbness, pain, and discomfort in the hands, forearms, and wrists. The numbness disappeared within 2 months, and the pain I had managing with Tramadol, 100mg of that worked for 7 hours a pop while 20-30mg of Vicodin (yeah, they . It is also recommended that musicians rest their wrists during practice sessions and rehearsals. Surgery relieves the pain by releasing pressure in the wrist. Thats why you must do this slowly and work up to harder gripping strength. And he continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more. From the time you leave the surgical center to when your hand is restored can take months to years. There will be pain, but your doctor will have given you a prescription for pain medication for the first week. Isolated finger movement is moving single fingers in isolation from the rest of the hand and the arm. . It will be necessary for you to pay special attention to your, Thats because carpal tunnel syndrome is an. To play a guitar, your fingers must move rapidly for an extended period of time. Theses rigid orthotics also result in severe muscle atrophy of the hand and wrist subtly over time. 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. Also, be sure to 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. I had done hours and hours of research on technique, and found there are basically two. your hand as often as you can. Carpal Tunnel Pain Worse After Carpal Tunnel Surgery? symptoms may appear in one hand or both. This does not necessarily mean a person has injured their hand. Carpal Tunnel Surgery . If CTS symptoms do recur, they may include: If a person is worried they have overused their hand or wrist, they should stop the activity that is causing soreness or pain. especially Follow the instructions for taking the medicine to avoid unnecessary pain. Using the piano as physical therapy after carpal tunnel surgery - YouTube I had carpal tunnel surgery 3 days ago. Endoscopic surgery can cause nerve injury, either to the median nerve or nearby branches, such as the one that controls the muscles of the thumb or sensation to the palm of the hand. pianists with carpal tunnel, the authors found that a delayed diagnosis of We'll assume there won't be complications and all goes well during your. What to expect after surgery? The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome like pain and numbness may or may not be gone by the time stitches are removed. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. Can you still play piano with carpal tunnel syndrome? There's less post-surgical pain, it heals faster, and cosmetically, the scar looks better. - can severely limit time spent making music on the piano. What is the Best Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Pain? Carpal tunnel surgery recoverybegins right after leaving the operating room. If you dont have the complication of nerve damage as a result of the surgery, grip and pinch strength should be back to normal in 3 months. RSI is like a precursor to getting carpal tunnel syndrome. But for others it might take weeks or even months for that to happen. Sleeping with a wrist support is even common for many people with wrist pain. Sometimes, pain around the incision site is a sign of infection. Read More, Surgery is not a permanent fix for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Finally and this may sound odd but pay special attention to your The tingling and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome may ease when a person uses a brace. It is vital to consider that the side effects are rare. Carpal tunnel syndrome is most commonly caused by playing guitar. can i play piano after carpal tunnel surgeryaiken county sc register of deeds can i play piano after carpal tunnel surgery If you begin to develop carpal tunnel, the ligaments In both cases, your doctor cuts the ligament around the carpal tunnel to take pressure off the median nerve and relieve your symptoms. The two tests I get are really cheap and the other patient got everything the lab offered billed to my account. When you recover well enough from the anesthesia and the staff is satisfied there are no complications, you're cleared for discharge. After surgery, most patients will have some soreness in their elbow, but can go home the same day. Use a stool. . Let's make it really simple. That is, there are. Pianists, as well as those with lower backs and shoulders, are susceptible to a variety of injuries, including hand, thumb, wrist, and upper arm injuries. - can severely limit time spent making music on the piano. Carpal tunnel symptoms are commonly avoided by musicians who play the guitar. It also controls some smaller muscles in your thumb. This is the area commonly referred to as the funny bone. To prevent carpal tunnel, it is critical that you remove as much stress from your wrists during piano practice sessions. And it is well established that your occupation is the major cause of RSI. to expect and And the longer the median nerve stays comrpess3ed, the less chances are that will heal. The condition is caused by the compression of the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. He is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. Also, whether or not you have complications greatly affects what your hand function will be like. Can playing piano cause wrist pain? Reply #1 on: December 07, 2011, 12:57:25 PM. According to a 2009 study in the International 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. The surgeon will give you instructions for all of these. The surgery involves cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to give the nerve more room. I'm a doctor and had left carpal tunnel surgery. Yes, it can. What are the risks of accidentally damaging your fingers playing piano? After that discussion TM Sim Max 10.5 Ventus Red Senior TM Sim Max 3 Ventus Red Senior Cobra F9 17* Rescue Atmos Regular Wearing gloves like this in colder climates allows you to maintain a degree of comfort while also feeling the keys, controlling pressure, and controlling dynamics and articulations. Users of this site and the piano sheet music library agree to be bound by Piano Street Terms and Conditions. You'll return to the doctor in about 10 days to remove the stitches. The length of time depends on several factors. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, your wrist pain is not caused by any number of strengthening exercises or stretching sessions. pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts. something first appear. At the first signs of an issue, Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. is the founder of Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab and has been a chiropractor for over 20 years. Reply #13 on: January 05, 2012, 03:12:01 PM. Articles that embody the work of the global labor movement are judged by experts in the field from across the industry. 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.. . When most guitarists leave their instruments untreated, it is usually sufficient to end their careers. Using the hand may cause soreness but will not cause long-term complications. A condition that develops as a result of repeated exposure to guitar music is more likely to progress as a result of repeated exposure. Have had carpal tunnel for over 2 years (sudden onset- definitive cause never determined) and have failed all therapies trying to avoid surgery. Carpal Tunnel Surgery is Not A Permanent Fix. 2) The Type of Surgery: Two types of carpal tunnel surgery are open and endoscopic. 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. helps bend your fingers and allows sensation in your palm and fingersexcept during recovery. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve of the wrist becomes compressed. Do not place any unnecessary stress or strain on the operated hand/wrist. First, if you had open release surgery, it will require more recovery time than endoscopic surgery. Finally and this may sound odd but pay special attention to your. During this time, it is important to avoid using your hand or arm too much so that you do not stress the incision site. The International Chopin Competition in Warsaw - Preliminaries Are On! With endoscopic surgery, the resulting scar is much smaller. 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. you feel symptoms. And that's the huge advantage of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery compared to the open release technique. After wearing the Carpal Solution for three nights, the complete numbness that I have had in both hands (especially at night) completely disappeared. After about 4-5 days you should be able to manage any residual pain with over the counter medications for carpal tunnel syndrome. The routine repetitive stress is often more intense than those of a computer programer or computer data entry specialist. in the area grow thicker, which causes a narrowing of the tunnel. is a great start. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These areas of the hand are exceptionally important In this article, we will discuss the effect of overdoing certain activities following carpal tunnel surgery and what to avoid after surgery. ligaments that creates a narrow tunnel at the base of your hand. To avoid this condition, pianists should avoid dropping the wrist while playing. I've heard advocates for both (tho none who worked with musicians, to be fair). The URL is, Reply #16 on: January 08, 2012, 04:37:17 AM, Reply #17 on: January 08, 2012, 07:29:11 AM. Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. Carpal tunnel surgery recovery time can vary between individuals. That's why numerous studies show that. Likewise, musicians are liable to incur tears because of overuse. Common complications include problems like delayed reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, infection or nerve damage. Here's what happens during the operation and what to expect after the surgery is over. Take a break whenever you have numbness in your hands, such as your wrists and fingers. Carpal Tunnel Exercises. If your job doesnt require a lot of manual work, then returning to work will be relatively easy but you may need to take occasional short breaks for hand rests. Reply #11 on: January 04, 2012, 02:44:16 AM, Reply #12 on: January 05, 2012, 12:50:54 PM. Myofascial release massage, which employs multiple movements, stretches and forces the flexor tendons. Playing the piano is quite a workout for . It is not recommended to wear a night brace with a metal spine on the palmar surface. Anabolic steroids, such as NSAID drugs, steroid injections, and corticosteroids, can be used to relieve pain. In fact the rigid carpal tunnel braces and hand splints actually make the condition worse over time because they compact and irritate already injured and inflamed soft tissue in the hands and fingers. Hopefully by then the surgical pain will be gone. repetitive stress injury (RSI). risky than the open release method. Patients are relieved to find a treatment developed by Doctors that can be done at home during sleep with no risks and no complications. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects your hand and is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. However, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. This is also the time to begin That means your job probably allowed the condition to develop in the first place. So understandingwhat key to preventing carpal tunnel syndrome is to immediately seek treatment when Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist. 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. 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. way to get better at the craft, it also means that your chances of suffering is the smart thing to do right now. These findings show us that early treatment is Call Now: (855) . One Jazz Electric Keyboarder from North Carolina said, It is so great to have a non-invasive therapy that I can depend upon whenever my symptoms flare up! About Doctors tend to be classically minded and you will find a lot of them who play piano. Carpal tunnel syndrome is both a simple and complex issue. The final phase of your aftercare can last for a couple months up to a year. But nobody has control over them. Your patience has paid off, but you still you have: These feelings are completely normal and will lessen in the next few weeks. Your results will depend on many factors. don't practice too much or even don't practice at all for some period of time? or banging your hand into things. This is caused when the tunnel becomes narrow or when the tissues surrounding the flexor tendons become inflamed and swell causing pressure on the median nerve. How long a person needs to take time away from work will depend on their occupation. Generally these include: 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. There are numerous ways to play the piano, each with its own style and ideal setting for the player. If the carpal tunnel becomes inflamed, it may cause swelling of the median nerve as well as compression of the carpal tunnel. When you recover well enough from the anesthesia and the staff is satisfied there are no complications, you're cleared for discharge. Rotate your wrists by moving only your hands up, down, left, and right. Surgery is also an option for severe cases. And at times it will be intense. The surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, known as carpal tunnel release, is a common and largely successful procedure. Then once the cuts in the skin close, start using the Ice Dip. They aim to cut the, that holds the wrist bones together. ), Reply #2 on: December 07, 2011, 05:36:41 PM, Reply #3 on: December 08, 2011, 08:26:39 AM. In some patients, the symptoms never resolve completely. If your hands are cold you may want to wear gloves for a few minutes before playing, or even invest in a pair of fingerless gloves that you can wear while playing if you have chronically cold hands. While the surgical incision heals, a person should also avoid getting the skin dirty or submerging the hand in water. 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. I did try, once, to not play for a period of time (among other things). Of course, as with all surgery, there is a risk of death, but such rarely happens during carpal tunnel surgery. Common complications include problems like delayed reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, infection or nerve damage.