Thumbs up for Musicians!
…. Therapeutic massage and bodywork for osteoarthritis of the thumb
For over 50 years I have been playing my double bass in orchestras, jazz ensembles and folk groups.
After couple of years of discomfort and pain in the right thumb, when I was 65 years old, I was diagnosed with end-stage osteoarthritis in the basal joint of the right thumb.
When wearing a brace, a splint, and having cortisone injections, in the thumb, did not help; reconstruction surgery was than scheduled. About a month before the surgery I had the good fortune of finding out about Beverley Ikier at the Ikier Wellness Center. She does therapeutic massage and bodywork, with specialization in hands and shoulder work for musicians. I began hourly session to work on my osteoarthritis of the thumb.
With the therapeutic massage, strengthening exercises, and weightlifting my hand and thumb returned to normal use within three months!! I was committed to doing all of the exercises, and it definitely paid off. After the first month I could only play my bass about five minutes a day, and the improvements in holding my bow resulted in my canceling the surgery. Gradually I worked up to one hour day, and then was ready for the three hour rehearsals and concerts.
I’m happy to say that I’m back playing regularly with the Concord Orchestra, and I’ve played in two concerts, and plan to play in the final one for this season.
I still continue with my exercises, and I’m pain-free. Many thanks to the therapeutic massage and bodywork provided by the Ikier Wellness Center.
Pat,