RSI/CTS/etc. doctor needed

Alexi David · #1 09-26-2004, 05:49 AM

I will finally after 5 years be visiting my home town of New York City again and one of my main objectives this christmas will be finding a doctor to help me with my symptoms. I think I have CTS on teh right hand, and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome on the left arm. And/Or Tendinitis. I don't know. That's why I'm going to a doctor. Any recommendations? Esp. ones that know a thing or two about musicians? Please I am desperate, the doctors in this country are useless

Alexi

arnoldschnitzer · #2 09-26-2004, 06:25 AM

I suggest you do a search for Osteopaths in NYC. I know a good one, but he's about an hour north of Manhattan. Osteopaths are actual medical doctors but are trained in a way that emphasizes a hands-on wholistic approach. The alternative would be to find a good hand/arm specialist. The Hospital for Special Surgery might be a good place to start.

**Bob Gollihur** · #3 09-26-2004, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MingusFingus

I will finally after 5 years be visiting my home town of New York City again and one of my main objectives this christmas will be finding a doctor to help me with my symptoms. I think I have CTS on teh right hand, and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome on the left arm. And/Or Tendinitis. I don't know. That's why I'm going to a doctor. Any recommendations? Esp. ones that know a thing or two about musicians? Please I am desperate, the doctors in this country are useless

Alexi

Check my Double Bass Links Page at http://www.urbbob.com/basslink.html for several links to sites with Musicians' Injuries information-- as someone who went through several docs over a few years before finally finding one with an accurate diagnosis, I think it important to learn as much about the possibilities. CTS is the snap-judgement diagnosis du jour in too many offices.

One of the links will take you to FindADoc: Health Care Providers for RSI Patients at http://eeshop.unl.edu/findadoc.html that may be of assistance. Good luck!

anonymous0726 · #4 09-26-2004, 07:39 AM

I suggest Alexander Technique! It fixed my tendonitis and then some. I can recommend my teacher for you. Don O may have suggestions (I think he might be teaching it as well by now?)

Alexi David · #5 09-26-2004, 10:40 AM

Thanks a lot guys, I see there's many people could choose from, but what do I do first? I only have two weeks in NYC and I'm not rich.......I don't know what to choose, though I've had my fair share of non-western doctors with zero results,......hmmm......

Thanks a lot - any more choices would be appreciated

winston · #6 09-28-2004, 01:17 PM

Though I haven't kept up with everyday practice of the Alexander Technique, I have had very little arm/hand pain/discomfort since I started taking AT lessons earlier this year. This comes during a period of intense gigs and rehearsals on DB 2-5 times a week, frequent computer use, and a prep cook job where I'm vigorously using my whole body, especially my hands.

I had been taking some kind of OTC painkiller (Ibuprofen, aspirin, Tylenol) probably at least once a week for the past 15 years or so for one pain or another. With AT, I've had fewer headaches than ever before and I actually made it from February 'til just last week (when I strained my knee lifting equipment on a soundman gig) without taking a single painkiller.

AT can be helpful but it's not a substitute for proper medical care. It can, however, be a great tool for injury prevention and general wellness, helping one to be more at ease in one's body. Regular massage by a qualified therapist can also do wonders for specific ailments and all-around well being. When dealing with Western medicine, be wary of doctors who treat the symptom but don't address the underlying cause. Like Ahhnold said an osteopath might be a good idea.

aaguudis · #7 10-02-2004, 12:26 PM

alexander technique is the only answer. Its the only way you are going to get to the root of the problem. I first read about it on here 2 years ago and have been going ever since. it has done wonders for me.

www.alexandertechnique.com

Alexi David · #8 10-04-2004, 06:29 PM

Thanks everyone. I'm still trying to find/decide on an MD because I def need that. But, you guys have motivated me into looking into Alexander technique also, after the MD. I'm also gonna quit repairing computers, and get rid of my ADSL so I can stop downloading all those rare live jazz recordings....I just can't stop!

Alexi David · #9 10-26-2004, 09:21 AM

I've just remembered that without insurance in NYC I'm basically screwed. Plan B......

anonymous0726 · #10 10-26-2004, 09:34 AM

AT right away, rather than the other way around.

Alexi David · #11 10-26-2004, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Parker

AT right away, rather than the other way around.

Ray, I'm just very paranoid that there's something wrong that needs "western" treatment....I want to at least rule it out first. But on the other hand, can you tell me your teacher's e-mail/contact info? Since I will move back to the city next year anyway.

I'm just very frustrated, it's been two years. I think there may be an AT person in Cyprus, I'll ask around.