Alexi's Story

My mother has experienced symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome herself. Being a cellists for forty plus years has put a strain on her fingers, hands, and wrists. One particular time a few years back, a Vivaldi’s Gloria piece required repetitive use of her forth finger. She experienced severe pain directly after a performance and was required to rest her forth finger for months. She went to an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands. He suggested hand exercises for the forth finger but only time would allow it to heal. Like many musicians, she experiences mild symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome on her right hand, the hand she uses to play with her bow.

Forth finger injury is very common among cellists because it is the weakest finger and requires extreme extension in order to get into proper position. Although she has not had an episode as severe as that one, she still uses extreme caution while playing making sure that she doesn’t over use that forth finger. My mother has experienced both forth finger injury and carpal tunnel syndrome due to playing the cello. Although these symptoms have developed, they are not extreme enough where she has to completely stop what she loves most.

 Shown here, proper fourth finger, wrist and elbow positioning on the cello. 

 

This etude (a study) involves a lot of forth finger positioning which can lead to serious injury.

Proper bow position of the wrist, improper positioning and repetitive movement may lead to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.