Those suffering from repetitive stress injuries might be interested in Armaid, a self-administered massage device offered by a small company in Blue Hill, Maine. Here's how it works:
The adjustable strap attaches Armaid to the thigh on the same side as the arm you are massaging. If you are massaging your left arm, attach Armaid on your left thigh.The Armaid device comes with several different roller ball attachments: a firm one for general-purpose deep massage, a soft one for more tender muscles, and a foam roller for particularly sensitive muscle areas. To get a better idea of the device and its uses, take a look at Armaid's Google Video Page.
You can adjust the Armaid to fit different sizes of arms and hands by moving the cam.
The handles are designed for the free hand to regulate the appropriate amount of pressure on the arm being massaged. The amount of pressure is always determined by you.
The cushioned permanent roller gives the arm comfort and support while the therapy attachments do their job.
Armaid has three flexible interchangeable therapy attachments. The center portion of each attachment is the highest point of the arc and will always remain in contact with your muscle. When using Armaid, put your attention on that center ball as you massage your arm.
What impressed me with the trial device I received was the solidity of the plastic parts (clearly designed to last a long time), the ease of understanding its function through excellent documentation, and the simplicity of changing the roller ball attachments. Be sure to watch the video instructions before using the Armaid in order to understand exactly how the therapy works. How Armaid works to treat tendonitis:
It's no secret that Collaborative Piano Blog readers are some of the busiest pianists in the business, and sometimes our muscles get grossly overworked. If you're interested in investing in an Armaid device, Collaborative Piano Blog readers in the United States and Canada have been offered a 15% discount off the regular price of US$99.95 and CDN$110 until September 15. Shipping charges still apply.
Ordering info for the United States:
The Armaid Company
Phone: 1-800-488-5505 or 207-374-9952
Order online at www.armaid.com
Email: contact [at] armaid dot com
The Armaid Company
658 Pleasant Street
Blue Hill, Maine 04614
USA
When ordering in the US, just mention the Collaborative Piano Blog promotion to get your 15% discount.
Ordering info for Canada:
ErgoCanada (Canadian distributor)
Phone: 1-866-335-3746 or 306-382-5995 (ask for Sam or Ruth)
Order online at ErgoCanada's Armaid Page
Email: sales [at] ergocanada dot com
ErgoCanada
P.O. Box 9022
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 7E7 Canada
When ordering in Canada, please include the coupon code PlayOnHealthy for your CPB discount.
A huge thanks goes to Armaid for making this promotion available for the next two months. Hope you're all having a great summer and playing with a healthy technical setup.
As always, your thoughts and comments on injuries, treatment, and the Armaid device are welcome in the comments.
Injuries are such a big problem for performing artists! I did a bunch of research about that a while back, and the instrumentalists the most at risk are violinists, drummers, pianists, cellists and harpists. I wrote a post about that at http://geraldineinabottle.blogspot.com/2010/05/are-you-healthy-musician.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about this new tool to help us, it looks like it can really make a big difference!
Geraldine
http:geraldineinabottle.blogspot.com
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteOK, I'll jump in... if people would like to try Armaid, that's their choice. However, I respectfully disagree with that choice.
As someone who has experienced repetitive strain injury and nerve damage ~ from an intense law firm computer job, not piano ~ I think taking action such as stretching when twinges of pain occur is crucial.
When I was injured, I was afraid I would lose my job, so kept at it until I could get a doctor's appointment a month later. Big mistake.
Result: I had to stop completely for 6 months.
Taking breaks is very important, requiring awareness of how long we've been playing, typing, or doing other hand/arm intense activities.
Being aware throughout the day is also crucial. Most activities can be done w/2 hands or, sometimes, w/the non-dominant hand. Most of us use one hand almost exclusively. The other could be strengthened simply by picking up a glass of water with it from time to time. In that way, playing wouldn't stress that hand quite so much.
As you can see, this is a volatile topic for me!
Here's a link to several blog posts on the subject:
http://gretchenspianos.wordpress.com/?s=injury&submit=Search
I'd love to continue this discussion!
Gretchen
Thanks Geraldine and Gretchen!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments.
ReplyDeleteGeraldine, thank you for the blog about injuries. In our clinic we have found that many clients feel alone in their pain. I'll share your words with others.
Gretchen, thank you for your passion and accuracy. You are absolutely right about taking care of yourself with breaks and listening to your body. Armaid would be included in some of those breaks to get more out of those stretches, when the twinges of pain occur. The Armaid gently pushes back on the area you are stretching. It is to be used as an adjunct - only 2 minutes 2 times a day, if that.
We want you cared for and successful in your pursuits. Would you like to try one, no risk?
Dear readers who have considered ordering an Armaid, we can also ship at an International Parcel or Priority rate with the USPS. There is usually a 20$ savings (from Express) but the package will travel more slowly. Please, just let us know at the time of your order, if you would like us to use the least expensive rate.
We want you all arm-and-hand healthy!
Sincerely,
Maura - The Armaid Company
1-800-488-5505.
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteI'd like to add that stretching should include a gentle stretch in the opposite direction of the use of the arms.
So, when you play the piano, the hands bend down. Stretching would be with the hands bending up, and down with the forearm turned over.
There is a great web site about hand and arm stretches here: http://www.handhealthresources.com/Solutions%20Pages/Exercises.htm
The arm stretches are about 1/2 way down the page, starting with "Wrist stretches & Forearm Muscle Stretches," pics included.
It's important to limit the stretch to 85% of capacity. (I don't think I'm the only musician who would be going for more than 100%!)
So, everybody, be aware of how your body feels, and please don't ignore even the slightest twinge of pain! (That's if, of course, you'd like to be playing when you're 90.)
Gretchen