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Studio -- Show us your studio setup

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  #1  
Old 2009-11-17, 11:17am
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Default Torching and Ulnar nerve damage

My orthopedic hand specialist just told me that I have ulnar nerve damage in both arms and severe arthritis in both hands partially because of how I position myself when working. I have leaned on my elbows too long and both hands have become extremely painful and unsteady. He told me that I need adaptive equipment for rotating the mandrel and an adaptive arm support system.

Do any of you have a similar problem?

I was looking at the mandrel spinner and support system that Bearfoot tools. Has anyone used these? Any advise?

thanks
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Old 2009-11-17, 11:24am
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I don't lean on my elbows but I am having arm problems. Soreness below the elbow and now I wake up at night because if I bend my arms they go to sleep.
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Old 2009-11-17, 11:25am
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I have Ulnar Neuropathy and Carpal Tunnel and was at the point of surgery when my Dr suggested acupuncture. I tried it (nothing to lose) and haven't looked back. I no longer take the daily dose of Naproxen Sodium and rarely have any pain at all, even though I discontinued the treatments after 4 visits 2 years ago.

I would suggest trying acupuncture. And the Bearfoot Arts Mandrel Spinner is an awesome tool. I haven't tried any of their other tools, but they've all gotten rave reviews.
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Old 2009-11-17, 11:31am
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Hi Rose, I don't want to be an alarmist but that was one of the first questions the doctor asked: "do you wake up with your hands numb"? It would be a good idea to ask your doctor for a referral to a hand specialist so you can find out what is happening. I don't mean to alarm you. I go in tomorrow for testing with a nerve doctor tomorrow. Both my hands are splinted and my elbows are also splinted. Hopefully they can stop the damage.
I am not a doctor but it might be good for you to follow up just to put your fears at rest.


take care, lois
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Old 2009-11-17, 11:32am
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good tip about the acupunture
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Old 2009-11-17, 2:21pm
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You're right Lois. I'm watching it for now and it seems to be less and less. I'm also not torching as much. I've had a lot of arm issues in the past several years and the Drs. haven't been much help. I will keep in mind what your Dr. said though. Thanks

Here's an article I just found and it probably pertains to me:

http://www.ehow.com/about_5217376_do...-sleeping.html

Last edited by Rose; 2009-11-17 at 2:25pm.
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Old 2009-11-17, 2:25pm
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In '95, I was splinted wrist to elbow for 6 months for carpal tunnel. I wish I would have known about acupuncture back then, lol.
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Old 2009-11-17, 2:35pm
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In Kristina Logan's video that she did for the Studio at Corning, she talks about how her beadmaking position led to severe pain and arthiritis. She took up acupuncture, a dedicated yoga practice, and started making jewelry in addition to beads so that she would have a larger variety of motions to prevent her hands being overtaxed.
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Old 2009-11-17, 6:16pm
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I would not be making beads if I did't have the electric mandrel spinner. It literally saved my wrists and hands!!!
Mary T.
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Old 2009-11-17, 8:13pm
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I've had 5 separate surgeries for hand/arm issues - bilateral carpal tunnel, bilateral epicondylitis, and right dorsal compartment release. I really wish now I would have tried acupuncture first.

I know that one thing a lot of us do is curl our hands up and tuck them under our chin (to hold the blanket up). That is one of the big no-no items I had to stop doing.

I never had any problems until they "adjusted" my work station to make it more ergonomically correct. I didn't want them to, but they insisted. Working with it that way had me unable to work at all within two months. I think it is always better to listen to your body and if something doesn't hurt - don't adjust. If it does hurt - try some different methods.

I am hoping to get an EMS sometime (soon). No real hurry for me though as I still don't have my studio set up.

Hope everyone's hands and arms get better........

Shari
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  #11  
Old 2009-11-18, 8:21am
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It helped me a TON to put extra padding on my table where I rest my arms.
I was starting to get numb fingers and after some research, I emailed Sarah (z-beads) because of an old post she made about the same topic.

I was resting my elbows (or, the spot on my forearm right above my elbow) on the edge of my table with no padding . . . . she told me about some little leather cushion thingies that she started using and it helped her. So, I got some cushy pads for the edge of my table and my pain and numb fingers went away!!
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Old 2009-11-18, 9:58pm
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I use padded elbow thinges (someone on LE makes them) with a creation station (not ideal for my big boy torch - need higher arm rests), and recently got an EMS (after an extra long wait). Arm issues aside (and ultra long waits to get it) the EMS is awesome ...

I don't have any serious arm issues at the moment (although my elbows notice it) but think it's good to keep these things at bay by proper working practices - I do know people with carpal tunnel.

When I first started lampworking I had some swivel arm rests that I loved and a minor torch - I sold those arm rests but they were for computer desks and supported the forearm rather than the elbow (which is what I have now). I feel support of the fore arm is probably superior to support and rest for the elbow. With the computer arm rests my arms were supported but not rested on the elbow. I think I need to return to some such system but my current torch is much higher than it was in the past, and won't work unless I recess my torch down on my workbench like a goldsmith.
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  #13  
Old 2009-11-19, 11:40am
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thanks to all for your input and suggestions. I hope I don't end up with surgery and am looking into the acupunture. So many lampworkers with these problems!

I have searched the internet for some type of arm rest that could help. I will definately add extra padding. I came upon this one that can be modified to have the arm rest go higher (over the table) and for it to have a 360 degree turn: http://ergopages.com/ergorest.html very pricey!

Barefoot has something similar to this as well and I definately will be getting the mandrel spinner.

now how to pay for all of this lol
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  #14  
Old 2009-11-19, 2:57pm
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I heard that symphony conductors have a lower chance of heart problems, theoretically because they are always holding their arms up. So, make some marbles for a change of arm position and a little heart healthiness.
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Old 2009-11-21, 6:41pm
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  #16  
Old 2009-11-28, 11:53am
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Hi Sadie, do you happen to have a link for the padded arm rests?
Thanks! lois
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  #17  
Old 2009-12-18, 4:01pm
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I sit but I sit somewhat above my table. I never lean on my elbows. When I nee to steady my hand I have this wood platform over my torch marver I made when I saw Larry Scott work. I tend to move around a lot when I work so I think that helps too. Maintaining a position too long kills me.
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Old 2009-12-29, 7:45am
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I have had hand and arm problems for years. Had to have a disc removed and 2 vertabrae fused in 1992, another surgery in 1995 to relieve pressure on nerves in my neck. In 2001 I had carpal tunnel surgery and in January this year had to have another disc removed and 2 more vert. fused in my neck. I didn't start doing glass work until 2007, so that wasn't what caused mine. I have a creation station and use the padded arm rests that look like little sand bags with it.

Greg
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Old 2009-12-29, 2:27pm
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Interesting thread with good solutions. When my husband built my bench he built it so I'd have to stand rather than sit (in order to minimize the amount of bends in my ventilation ductwork) and it's been the best thing I could have gotten. When I used to torch at the member's studio, in a sitting down position, hunched over the torch, I used to get a sore neck and shoulders and arms. With the standing position I still get a bit of a sore neck due to the weight of the safety mask I wear but other than that I'm not nearly so sore as I am with the sitting-down position.

I think I even have some gel insoles with leather outsides. I might keep them in mind if my elbows or hands start to act up, use them to lean on.
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Old 2009-12-29, 3:07pm
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Quick fix for the elbow rest
pad a pair of work gloves from Lowe's they are about $5.
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Old 2009-12-29, 3:47pm
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Brilliant, yellowbird!
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Old 2009-12-29, 9:08pm
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Someone on LE was writing about a saddle chair they had and I read up on them. They are excellent for posture and are used to help disabled kids get better posture too. My hairdress has one that I have tried and it felt fine. Even better, you can just stand straight up to get off it. I am going to get one as soon as I can.

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Old 2009-12-29, 10:01pm
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another super quick fix for elbow pads is bubble wrap. They won't last forever, but if you are desperate and don't feel like traveling or waiting, then fold a piece of the little bubble kind over on itself a few times. very comfy!
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Old 2009-12-30, 5:19am
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I got ulnar nerve damage from court reporting, so I am very careful of my posture at the torch. Change your approach to the torch so that you are higher and don't prop your arms so much. I use the creation station and also pads for my elbows, but I try not to prop them. Also look for other places in your life where you prop on your elbows. I was doing it in the car with my left arm propped on the armrest as I commuted the 1 1/2 hours usually to my first job of the day.
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Old 2010-01-22, 1:51am
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My padding solution was to cut a computer keyboard/typing pad in half, and then screw it to the work surface on either side of the torch. Simple and inexpensive. (Leave a little of the pad hanging over the edge of the table, and put the screws towards the far edge of the pads.)
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Old 2010-07-26, 9:09pm
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yes i have had similar issues... my best advise would be to try and adapt to using rollers... i always considered rollers "cheating" or a poser form of the arts... but now i'll never go back.... They make several different kinds... Search GlassCraft's website for rollers. i find using both models to be quite soothing. as well as the padded creation station arms. also try standing up, my buddy says that helped with his arm pains. idk though could be BS but worth a shot if youre in pain
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Old 2010-07-27, 12:41pm
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Default Arm Rests

While I don't have specific hand/arm pain issues I do have hand shaking issues and sever hand, shoulder and arm arthritis and one shoulder replaced so I use these rests I made. These are the result of several iterations and the 'arms' swivel and the whole thing is height adjustable. Since this pic I have added 'stops' that keep the arms from swiveling into the flame. Also notice the cylinder cap that I use to steady my hands for dots and stringer work.

The second pic shows 3 sets I have in the shop that can be had for the cost of shipping....to be determined! They are height adjustable but the arms do not swivel and they can be padded with bicycle grips or foam.

PJH

PS the 3 pictured were made for some ladies in Wisconsin who then decided not to do the deal.
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Old 2010-07-27, 1:17pm
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My girlfriend has recently had surgery on the tendons in her wrist. Her doctor told her that she might have nerve damage in her Ulnar nerve. So, does anyone elso who has had Ulnar nerve damage have numbness in thier pinkie, and ring finger?
And as for the EMS, GREAT product, definetely worth the wait.
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Old 2010-08-01, 11:01pm
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I have bad wrists and that being said I stand at the torch making the use of arm supports limited. I do have some of BearFoot Art stabilizers, the lasted style and Ii love them. but there not supporting my arms weight merely taking the shake out of my hands as i apply glass. I have terrible posture at the torch. the clear rod size I use is around 16 mm and I find my self spinning it from one side with two hand. A very bad habit. just twisting my back in a terrible stance.
I have the spinning mandrel tool and yes it works great, more for the soft glass use i think. easy to make simple beads, I find it some times to large for complicated beads.

having had a wrist operation that failed even though they claim they could build it better. (it appears I lacked the insurance policy of the 6 million dollar man) I'd go along with the suggestions of acupuncture.
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Old 2010-08-26, 4:03pm
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Elbow pads for sitting at a table (typically used with the creation station) are available at Blue Moon Glassworks:
http://www.austinbluemoon.com/catalo...26category%3D8

Hope this helps,
Jim.
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