Recovering Use of Right Hand

[davewerden]

I'm posting this on behalf of user jstraussman.

I am recovering from a stroke though i have weakness in my right hand and fingers. i am looking for suggestions to improve my finger strength or modify my horn which is the top end Willson. One idea I was given is to replace the springs or to shorten them by clipping them.. Any thought about this and general ideas about improving finger strength are appreciated.


Thanks,


Jeff

[davewerden]

I'll start the ball rolling here. Jeff, if you have a decent repair tech handy, I would ask them about shortening the existing springs. Best would be to get a new set for use in the future and have the tech shorten the existing springs. It's not necessarily a do-it-yourself job.

(My email suggestion to Jeff was to obtain a set of softer springs. Does anyone here know which soft springs would fit best in the Willson?)

[Shawn]

Hi Mr. Straussman,

Please don't think I'm joking when I write this. I'm under the care of a neurological physiotherapist, and I've seen how they work.

Bring your instrument (with advance notice if possible) to your next physiotherapy session. Physios, and occupational therapists, are trained to be goal-oriented health providers. Their brains switch into a higher gear when you plainly say "I need to be able to do [X]." Think about your phrasing before your appointment. You might end up with a therapist who doesn't know a tuba from a flute, but if you can say "I need to be able to do [X] with my fingers with my hand held [here] on [this instrument]", your physio and/or OT will set up a plan that might give you a shot.

Happy to exchange DMs directly or indirectly, but I've kind of said all I know. Every neuro case, we're all different. I wish you the very best.

S

[TD517]

Perhaps a practice device like these hand grips would be of benefit? I don't know if they actually "work", but I'd consult your physical therapist before purchasing.

https://prohands.net/products/via?va...15238593773627

[daruby]

Perhaps a practice device like these hand grips would be of benefit? I don't know if they actually "work", but I'd consult your physical therapist before purchasing. https://prohands.net/products/via?va...15238593773627

Get the lowest resistance you can find. I have the yellow one (4lbs) and it is too much.