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Hugh New Member
Joined: 06 May 2017 Posts: 10 Location: Norwich UK
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Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 2:53 am Post subject: The Shakes |
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My apologies for coming on with problems but I'm reaching the age (56) when some physical issues are creeping in.
I'm starting to get a tremor which can affect my playing occasionally. It's called an intention tremor or a positional tremor. It's likely to be a progressive thing. My Dad, 85, has it pretty bad and stopped playing because of it. It might be linked with tension when producing notes as well (see previous thread on yips).
It's definitely worse when fuelled by caffeine and drinking plenty of water helps. it's also worse with heavier instruments. I play a heavy Taylor Flugel and the shakes are much worse with that than when I'm playing my lighter Bach Trumpet.
Maybe a combination of playing lighter instruments and working on the muscles needed for holding up instruments for long periods would help.
I'd be very grateful for any advice. _________________ Hugh Stanners |
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kehaulani Heavyweight Member
Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Posts: 9014 Location: Hawai`i - Texas
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Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 9:57 am Post subject: |
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Can I assume that you've seen a medical specialist? That's an important factor.
You also might consider a light horn. My Benge is pretty light, although if you're going for a darker, flugel sound, you might have to change mouthpieces.
This weight chart might be helpful.
http://rouses.net/trumpet/trumpet_weights.html _________________ "If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird
Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn |
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Sturmbill Veteran Member
Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 376 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 12:56 pm Post subject: |
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It may be due to different causes, but I, too, suffer from tremors in my left arm. I have found that a brace purchased in a drug store has gone a long way towards stabilizing my arm and controlling the unwanted vibrato.
I tried several different brands and types (even wearing two of different styles) until I found one that did the job and was comfortable to wear.
I got it in basic black so that it would go with my tux... _________________ Noli illegitimi carborundum... Joe Stilwell |
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ghelbig Heavyweight Member
Joined: 27 May 2011 Posts: 908 Location: Reno, NV
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Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 1:59 pm Post subject: |
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Getting old ain't for wimps.
Sturmbill wrote: | I have found that a brace purchased in a drug store has gone a long way towards stabilizing my arm and controlling the unwanted vibrato. |
If it's like the brace I have it also stops me from twisting my wrist into a wrong position.
I sometimes wear very light ankle-weights on my wrists while practicing - but I'm told that this would aggravate any arthritis.
Gary. |
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Seymor B Fudd Heavyweight Member
Joined: 17 Oct 2015 Posts: 1469 Location: Sweden
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Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 2:41 am Post subject: |
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ghelbig wrote: | Getting old ain't for wimps.
Sturmbill wrote: | I have found that a brace purchased in a drug store has gone a long way towards stabilizing my arm and controlling the unwanted vibrato. |
If it's like the brace I have it also stops me from twisting my wrist into a wrong position.
I sometimes wear very light ankle-weights on my wrists while practicing - but I'm told that this would aggravate any arthritis.
Gary. |
I can recommend the ErgoBrass - a device which holds the horn whenever you practice but can also be worn when playing. Consists of a rod + spring which makes for adjustable heights. I stumbled upon one after complaining, at my dealers, of a sore shoulder/arm/hand.
www.ergobrass.com/trumpet/ Some kind of brace as proposed by Sturmbill might help.
Holding a heavy instrument in fixed positions for a long time makes for same symptoms as in "mouse arm".
Also - there is a certain "psychic" component in this - absolutely not meaning any kind of pathology, but instead old fashioned Pavlovian conditioning. Subconsciously one expects a certain scenario which makes for tension rising etc. Vicious circle. Relaxation excercises might help - go see if you havenīt already, a physiotherapist.
Good luck! _________________ Cornets: mp 143D3/ DW Ultra 1,5 C
Getzen 300 series
Yamaha YCRD2330II
Yamaha YCR6330II
Getzen Eterna Eb
Trumpets:
Yamaha 6335 RC Schilke 14B
King Super 20 Symphony DB (1970)
Selmer Eb/D trumpet (1974) |
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Hugh New Member
Joined: 06 May 2017 Posts: 10 Location: Norwich UK
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Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 5:12 am Post subject: The Shakes |
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Many thanks for the very helpful replies and pms.
I have taken medical advice about my shakes and I'm trialling a low dose of barbituates at first. Often Drs would prescribe beta blockers, but I'm asthmatic so they're out. I've noticed some impact, but am still getting the shakes especially when I'm tired and going for a big solo!
I think the weight of the instruments I play makes a difference. I've stopped playing my heavy Taylor Flugel and now just play a lighter Bach trumpet. I might end up with something plastic! _________________ Hugh Stanners |
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jonalan Heavyweight Member
Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 705 Location: "Show Me"
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Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 10:32 am Post subject: |
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Best of luck to you, Hugh. I have been diagnosed with essential tremors that affect my playing. Started in my right arm a good 10 years ago, and wasn't noticeable in my playing. Then it progressively got a little worse over time and has progressed to my jaw as well. I have good days and bad days. I notice it more than folks on the other side of the horn, but still VERY frustrating.
I am currently seeing a neurologist, who has me on beta blockers which help, but do not completely eliminate the tremors. I am completely off caffeine, and do my best to reduce stress (really tough at work, though), which also help. I haven't found too much that really help reduce the tremors, although I have to say focusing on a good, solid airstream really makes a difference.
I hope you find something that works for you, but definitely keep playing. _________________ Stomvi VRII Bb
Kanstul 1525 Flugel
GR pieces |
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