Donald G. Goldsobel on fri 1 aug 97
Sometimes the solution to the aches and pains described is simply a matter
of the right distance from thrower to the wheel and foot pedal placement.
It is the geometry of the whole body in relation to the places where the
strain is. If you are too far from the wheel the thrower needs to bend too
far forwards and the neck is craned. If there is too much tension in the
right arm while pressing down there can be aggravation from restricting
blood flow and direct presassure on the nerve can cause numbness. The
throwing position must be comfortable!
Donald Goldsobel in the San Fernando Valley. Sunny and warm, but summer
must be stalled somewhere over Tuscon.
David James on fri 1 aug 97
Tina
Don't want to sound gloomy, but it sounds like your mother has a spinal
disc problem. I had the same trouble myself, and the numbness in the arm is
often a sign that a disc is prolapsed and pressing on a nerve. This can
cause pain in different areas, depending on which disc is compacted or bein
g squeezed out of line.
I had to have a spinal fusion (painless but expensive) to sort the problem
out. I can now make my usual lumpy, badly-thrown pots without any trouble.
David James
Durban
South Africa
Where winter is banned
stevemills on fri 1 aug 97
Tina,
This is very difficult by mail but....
Try and sit straight or hollow backed, avoid over rounded shoulders.
When centering (anti-clockwise) try to keep the right hand at half
twelve and the left at half-six, and most important try to keep a
straight line between the palm of the left hand and the wrist. Keep
elbows in, don't let them "fly". Any exaggerated bend in the hand or
wrist is to be avoided. The numbness in her right arm is possibly pure
"tension", we all get tense when we first learn to throw. If your Mother
starts to feel "locked up" when she's on the wheel, suggest she takes
her hands of the wheel, sits upright, and lowers her shoulders by
letting her hands and arms "hang" down.
In essence posture, and the need to relax every so often is what it's
all about.
Cheers
Steve
In message , Photo's By Christine writes
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Hi,
> I finally talked my mother into taking a throwing class, but she keeps
>complaining that her right arm feels numb, and that her back and neck really
>hurt. She likes it, but I don't want her to quit because of this. Does
>anybody have any suggestions? Should she sit higher that the wheel, or
>lower???? I would appreciate any helpful hints!
>
>Tina
>Hot in Las Vegas!
>
--
Steve Mills
@Bath Potters Supplies
Dorset Close
Bath
BA2 3RF
UK
Tel:(44) (0)1225 337046
Fax:(44) (0)1225 462712
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