evan on wed 14 feb 01
Long shot: are you left-handed? Which pocket do you use to carry your
wallet? No s**t, I have to remember to put mine in the other pocket.
Ok, so I'm the type that keeps way too much stuff in the thing, but hey,
you never know when you'll need to pull a small laminated reduction of
you diploma out... And don't get me started on all those cards from the
espresso stands for every 10th drink free.
-- Evan in W. Richland WA where it is staying light until nearly 6:00
pm.
Richard Aerni wrote:
>
> To the list:
>
> This got me to thinking about something that's been bothering me of
> late...physically, that is. I've been suffering from a deep-seated ache
> (not really in the realm of pain) in my left hip, just behind the ball and
> socket joint. This has been with me, on and off, for six months or so, and
> I've been at a loss to figure out it's origins.
Richard Aerni on wed 14 feb 01
To the list:
Lately I've done a bit of browsing through some forensic anthropology works.
I've come upon some interesting information about how forensic
anthropologists are able to ascertain the occupations of folk, now deceased
and in skeletal form, through indications in the bone. Ie, bone densities,
abrasions, grooves cut by ligaments and tendons due to specific occupations,
chemicals which were absorbed into the bone, etc. They can identify scribes
through marks on finger bones, miners through aspects of the shoulders,
painters because of high lead and other heavy metal content in the bone.
There is a condition called "Weaver's Bottom" which was caused by long hours
sitting at the loom. Apparently, they can also identify more modern
characteristics, such as alterations to the skeletal structure of serious
golfers, and so on.
This got me to thinking about something that's been bothering me of
late...physically, that is. I've been suffering from a deep-seated ache
(not really in the realm of pain) in my left hip, just behind the ball and
socket joint. This has been with me, on and off, for six months or so, and
I've been at a loss to figure out it's origins. Initially, I'd written it
off to old injuries from distance running during my college days, or from
other sports injuries. I've always been physically active, and these aches
are something I've assumed are the long term cost of that type of lifestyle.
But through these winter months, other than stretching exercises and other
calisthenics which are a normal part of my routine, potting at the wheel has
been my only real physical activity, and this condition has been worsening.
It has occurred to me that this situation may be an occupational one, given
that I generally throw sitting down, on a counterclockwise wheel, and often
work with large amounts of clay. In this situation, while centering the
clay, the force of the turning clay comes through my guide hand (left hand)
and is transmitted back through my forearm to the elbow, which is wedged
into my hip for stability. It does not seem unreasonable that after 25
years of this type of treatment, my hip is beginning to talk back to me
through this pain. I am of course in the process of trying to work out
another less stressful way of operating at the wheel, and will soon be at
the doctor's office hoping for an orthopedic referral, but I was wondering
if anyone else out there had any insights to offer on this situation.
Wondering if perhaps anyone else suffers from this syndrome, or perhaps have
heard of anyone else with it. I don't mean to be long-winded with this, but
did want to be somewhat clear as to its nature and my conjecture as to its
cause. Any further information would be welcome.
Thanks,
Richard Aerni
Bloomfield, NY
Cindy Strnad on wed 14 feb 01
Richard,
It's difficult to say what your problem is with your leg. I would really
encourage you to see some sort of health practitioner. They may not always
have the right answer for you, but allopathic doctors are very handy for
diagnosis at the very least.
Second point: whatever the source of your problem, it's likely that sitting
at the traditional potter's position at your wheel will exacerbate the
trouble. Raise your wheel a bit, change your stool as per Vince's
oft-repeated suggestions. Or, do as I do and set your wheel on a high enough
table so the splash pan grazes your belt buckle, mount the foot pedal at a
convenient height for your lower thigh and knee to control, and work
standing up. Get a low-stress mat to stand on.
Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
USA
earthenv@gwtc.net
http://www.earthenvesselssd.com
Eydie DeVincenzi on wed 14 feb 01
Richard:
I don't know anyone suffering with this, but a few thoughts:
* You may be cutting off circulation to/from the hip with your long hours
in one position with the chair cutting into the back of the leg -- critical
blood freeways.
* if the pain shoots down your leg, may be sciatica
* try standing for a month. Raise the wheel if you have to. See
if the pain goes away. warning: stand on rubber mats for comfort and
don't lean over working. Watch your body positions -- or better yet, have
someone else watch it ... for ergonomic considerations that is g
Eydie
----- Original Message -----
From: Richard
Aerni
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: 2/14/01 1:57:12 PM
Subject: Another Potter's Health
Question
To the list:
Lately I've done a bit of browsing through some forensic anthropology
works.
I've come upon some interesting information about how forensic
anthropologists are able to ascertain the occupations of folk, now
deceased
and in skeletal form, through indications in the bone. IE, bone
densities,
abrasions, grooves cut by ligaments and tendons due to specific
occupations,
chemicals which were absorbed into the bone, etc. They can
identify scribes
through marks on finger bones, miners through aspects of the
shoulders,
painters because of high lead and other heavy metal content in the
bone.
There is a condition called "Weaver's Bottom" which was caused by long
hours
sitting at the loom. Apparently, they can also identify more
modern
characteristics, such as alterations to the skeletal structure of
serious
golfers, and so on.
This got me to thinking about something that's been bothering me of
late...physically, that is. I've been suffering from a
deep-seated ache
(not really in the realm of pain) in my left hip, just behind the ball
and
socket joint. This has been with me, on and off, for six months
or so, and
I've been at a loss to figure out it's origins. Initially, I'd
written it
off to old injuries from distance running during my college days, or
from
other sports injuries. I've always been physically active, and
these aches
are something I've assumed are the long term cost of that type of
lifestyle.
But through these winter months, other than stretching exercises and
other
calisthenics which are a normal part of my routine, potting at the wheel
has
been my only real physical activity, and this condition has been
worsening.
It has occurred to me that this situation may be an occupational one,
given
that I generally throw sitting down, on a counterclockwise wheel, and
often
work with large amounts of clay. In this situation, while
centering the
clay, the force of the turning clay comes through my guide hand (left
hand)
and is transmitted back through my forearm to the elbow, which is
wedged
into my hip for stability. It does not seem unreasonable that
after 25
years of this type of treatment, my hip is beginning to talk back to
me
through this pain. I am of course in the process of trying to
work out
another less stressful way of operating at the wheel, and will soon be
at
the doctor's office hoping for an orthopedic referral, but I was
wondering
if anyone else out there had any insights to offer on this situation.
Wondering if perhaps anyone else suffers from this syndrome, or perhaps
have
heard of anyone else with it. I don't mean to be long-winded
with this, but
did want to be somewhat clear as to its nature and my conjecture as to
its
cause. Any further information would be welcome.
Thanks,
Richard Aerni
Bloomfield, NY
______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
--- Eydie DeVincenzi
--- edevincenzi@earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: It's your Internet.
Richard Aerni on wed 14 feb 01
Dear Eydie and others,
In an attempt to short cut some of the many replies on the way, I should say
1) my main wheel is raised up six inches from the floor; 2) I built my
second wheel into a standing model 16 years ago, but you just can't make a
30 pound pot on a stand up wheel...or rather, it's infinitely harder to
center that much clay while standing; 3) circulation is not the problem; and
4) I'm aware of sciatica's symptoms.
I'm not looking for diagnoses over the net. I'm almost sorry I mentioned
this. But, I was thinking/wondering if this is a condition that has
afflicted any other long time potters. I know when I started people used to
talk about "potter's limp" which came about from excessive use of the right
leg with kickwheels. Just thought this one might fall into that category.
And yes, I will be consulting a physician.
Thanks,
Richard Aerni
Bloomfield, NY
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eydie DeVincenzi"
> Richard:
>
> I don't know anyone suffering with this, but a few thoughts:
>
> * You may be cutting off circulation to/from the hip with your long hours
> in one position with the chair cutting into the back of the leg --
critical
> blood freeways.
>
> * if the pain shoots down your leg, may be sciatica
>
> * try standing for a month. Raise the wheel if you have to. See
> if the pain goes away. warning: stand on rubber mats for comfort and
> don't lean over working. Watch your body positions -- or better yet, have
> someone else watch it ... for ergonomic considerations that is g
>
> >
don Ablett on thu 15 feb 01
Hi Richard and Jonathan,
Regarding sore hips and more so for me, my back............ I started back to yoga
two years ago and it has made an incredible difference to my body. I'm not sore
and stiff after a long day of work except maybe on glaze spraying days! If there
isn't anything in there ( your body, that is) that is more of a problem than
overuse and general abuse as a potter, I highly recommend it both for the body
and soul.
Carol-Ann Michaelson
Jonathan Kirkendall wrote:
> Hi Richard!
>
> I know exactly what your talking about! Exact same problem here. Always
> hurts after working with lots of clay, deep in the left hip, especially
> painful getting up from the wheel. Diagnosed as sciatica, but xrays showed
> a bone spur developing in my hip. Wonder what your doctor will say. I'm in
> physical therapy, strengthing both legs.
>
> Jonathan in DC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ceramic Arts Discussion List [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On
> Behalf Of Richard Aerni
> Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2001 12:45 PM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Another Potter's Health Question
>
> To the list:
>
> Lately I've done a bit of browsing through some forensic anthropology works.
> I've come upon some interesting information about how forensic
> anthropologists are able to ascertain the occupations of folk, now deceased
> and in skeletal form, through indications in the bone. Ie, bone densities,
> abrasions, grooves cut by ligaments and tendons due to specific occupations,
> chemicals which were absorbed into the bone, etc. They can identify scribes
> through marks on finger bones, miners through aspects of the shoulders,
> painters because of high lead and other heavy metal content in the bone.
> There is a condition called "Weaver's Bottom" which was caused by long hours
> sitting at the loom. Apparently, they can also identify more modern
> characteristics, such as alterations to the skeletal structure of serious
> golfers, and so on.
>
> This got me to thinking about something that's been bothering me of
> late...physically, that is. I've been suffering from a deep-seated ache
> (not really in the realm of pain) in my left hip, just behind the ball and
> socket joint. This has been with me, on and off, for six months or so, and
> I've been at a loss to figure out it's origins. Initially, I'd written it
> off to old injuries from distance running during my college days, or from
> other sports injuries. I've always been physically active, and these aches
> are something I've assumed are the long term cost of that type of lifestyle.
> But through these winter months, other than stretching exercises and other
> calisthenics which are a normal part of my routine, potting at the wheel has
> been my only real physical activity, and this condition has been worsening.
>
> It has occurred to me that this situation may be an occupational one, given
> that I generally throw sitting down, on a counterclockwise wheel, and often
> work with large amounts of clay. In this situation, while centering the
> clay, the force of the turning clay comes through my guide hand (left hand)
> and is transmitted back through my forearm to the elbow, which is wedged
> into my hip for stability. It does not seem unreasonable that after 25
> years of this type of treatment, my hip is beginning to talk back to me
> through this pain. I am of course in the process of trying to work out
> another less stressful way of operating at the wheel, and will soon be at
> the doctor's office hoping for an orthopedic referral, but I was wondering
> if anyone else out there had any insights to offer on this situation.
>
> Wondering if perhaps anyone else suffers from this syndrome, or perhaps have
> heard of anyone else with it. I don't mean to be long-winded with this, but
> did want to be somewhat clear as to its nature and my conjecture as to its
> cause. Any further information would be welcome.
>
> Thanks,
> Richard Aerni
> Bloomfield, NY
>
> ____________________________________________________________________________
> __
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
Jonathan Kirkendall on thu 15 feb 01
Hi Richard!
I know exactly what your talking about! Exact same problem here. Always
hurts after working with lots of clay, deep in the left hip, especially
painful getting up from the wheel. Diagnosed as sciatica, but xrays showed
a bone spur developing in my hip. Wonder what your doctor will say. I'm in
physical therapy, strengthing both legs.
Jonathan in DC
-----Original Message-----
From: Ceramic Arts Discussion List [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On
Behalf Of Richard Aerni
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2001 12:45 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Another Potter's Health Question
To the list:
Lately I've done a bit of browsing through some forensic anthropology works.
I've come upon some interesting information about how forensic
anthropologists are able to ascertain the occupations of folk, now deceased
and in skeletal form, through indications in the bone. Ie, bone densities,
abrasions, grooves cut by ligaments and tendons due to specific occupations,
chemicals which were absorbed into the bone, etc. They can identify scribes
through marks on finger bones, miners through aspects of the shoulders,
painters because of high lead and other heavy metal content in the bone.
There is a condition called "Weaver's Bottom" which was caused by long hours
sitting at the loom. Apparently, they can also identify more modern
characteristics, such as alterations to the skeletal structure of serious
golfers, and so on.
This got me to thinking about something that's been bothering me of
late...physically, that is. I've been suffering from a deep-seated ache
(not really in the realm of pain) in my left hip, just behind the ball and
socket joint. This has been with me, on and off, for six months or so, and
I've been at a loss to figure out it's origins. Initially, I'd written it
off to old injuries from distance running during my college days, or from
other sports injuries. I've always been physically active, and these aches
are something I've assumed are the long term cost of that type of lifestyle.
But through these winter months, other than stretching exercises and other
calisthenics which are a normal part of my routine, potting at the wheel has
been my only real physical activity, and this condition has been worsening.
It has occurred to me that this situation may be an occupational one, given
that I generally throw sitting down, on a counterclockwise wheel, and often
work with large amounts of clay. In this situation, while centering the
clay, the force of the turning clay comes through my guide hand (left hand)
and is transmitted back through my forearm to the elbow, which is wedged
into my hip for stability. It does not seem unreasonable that after 25
years of this type of treatment, my hip is beginning to talk back to me
through this pain. I am of course in the process of trying to work out
another less stressful way of operating at the wheel, and will soon be at
the doctor's office hoping for an orthopedic referral, but I was wondering
if anyone else out there had any insights to offer on this situation.
Wondering if perhaps anyone else suffers from this syndrome, or perhaps have
heard of anyone else with it. I don't mean to be long-winded with this, but
did want to be somewhat clear as to its nature and my conjecture as to its
cause. Any further information would be welcome.
Thanks,
Richard Aerni
Bloomfield, NY
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Bill Weaver on thu 15 feb 01
Been dealing with the same problem for a number of years, excrutiating
pain. I have found that Celebrex and Ice work wonders along with
strengthening the old abs.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jonathan Kirkendall"
To:
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2001 10:42 AM
Subject: Re: Another Potter's Health Question
> Hi Richard!
>
> I know exactly what your talking about! Exact same problem here. Always
> hurts after working with lots of clay, deep in the left hip, especially
> painful getting up from the wheel. Diagnosed as sciatica, but xrays
showed
> a bone spur developing in my hip. Wonder what your doctor will say. I'm
in
> physical therapy, strengthing both legs.
>
> Jonathan in DC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ceramic Arts Discussion List [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On
> Behalf Of Richard Aerni
> Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2001 12:45 PM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Another Potter's Health Question
>
>
> To the list:
>
> Lately I've done a bit of browsing through some forensic anthropology
works.
> I've come upon some interesting information about how forensic
> anthropologists are able to ascertain the occupations of folk, now
deceased
> and in skeletal form, through indications in the bone. Ie, bone
densities,
> abrasions, grooves cut by ligaments and tendons due to specific
occupations,
> chemicals which were absorbed into the bone, etc. They can identify
scribes
> through marks on finger bones, miners through aspects of the shoulders,
> painters because of high lead and other heavy metal content in the bone.
> There is a condition called "Weaver's Bottom" which was caused by long
hours
> sitting at the loom. Apparently, they can also identify more modern
> characteristics, such as alterations to the skeletal structure of serious
> golfers, and so on.
>
> This got me to thinking about something that's been bothering me of
> late...physically, that is. I've been suffering from a deep-seated ache
> (not really in the realm of pain) in my left hip, just behind the ball and
> socket joint. This has been with me, on and off, for six months or so,
and
> I've been at a loss to figure out it's origins. Initially, I'd written it
> off to old injuries from distance running during my college days, or from
> other sports injuries. I've always been physically active, and these
aches
> are something I've assumed are the long term cost of that type of
lifestyle.
> But through these winter months, other than stretching exercises and other
> calisthenics which are a normal part of my routine, potting at the wheel
has
> been my only real physical activity, and this condition has been
worsening.
>
> It has occurred to me that this situation may be an occupational one,
given
> that I generally throw sitting down, on a counterclockwise wheel, and
often
> work with large amounts of clay. In this situation, while centering the
> clay, the force of the turning clay comes through my guide hand (left
hand)
> and is transmitted back through my forearm to the elbow, which is wedged
> into my hip for stability. It does not seem unreasonable that after 25
> years of this type of treatment, my hip is beginning to talk back to me
> through this pain. I am of course in the process of trying to work out
> another less stressful way of operating at the wheel, and will soon be at
> the doctor's office hoping for an orthopedic referral, but I was wondering
> if anyone else out there had any insights to offer on this situation.
>
> Wondering if perhaps anyone else suffers from this syndrome, or perhaps
have
> heard of anyone else with it. I don't mean to be long-winded with this,
but
> did want to be somewhat clear as to its nature and my conjecture as to its
> cause. Any further information would be welcome.
>
> Thanks,
> Richard Aerni
> Bloomfield, NY
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
> __
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
Lili Krakowski on fri 16 feb 01
Ah well, before we are through, you-all will know everything about my
health! Sorry.
I had horrendous pain in my left hip. It began to radiate down my left
leg, really bumming my left knee out. ( No surprise, as hip, leg,knee are
on the same side. (I'm on the other!)
Orthopedist went into we are all getting older routine. Went to
Lee Center in 1997 to teach. My wonderful hostess watched me limp and
said: Ha! Potter's Hip. I do not know did she invent it or did she learn
the term from others. Her diagnosis: kicking or pedaling with right leg,
shifts one's weight to left buttock etc. The rest is misery. Went to the
CHIROPRACTOR!!! Chiropractor said: You have a slight crick down in lower
spine, maybe age, maybe heredity, likely to be bad posture. The crick is
squooshing nerves--and so on.
Three treatments, exercise, and I was ok.
Do my exercises. ALSO NOW THROW STANDING UP WITH THE PEDAL ON THE TABLE.
I 'SET' THE PEDAL AND LEAVE IT AT ONE SPEED FOR CENTERING ANOTHER FOR
THROWING A THIRD FOR TRIMMING. Yes. All those who remember footkicked
wheels or the really old ones who remember factory waterdriven wheels
realize all this picky adjustment is no really necessary.
Lili Krakowski
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