Marek & Pauline Drzazga-Donaldson on sun 29 oct 06
I have a problem whenever I hear the word "Bracing" in association with =
Throwing on the Potter's Wheel. I have been throwing for around 35 =
years, and I throw large.
I have two vertabrae (!4 + 15) fused from a childhood accident. I have =
learned to live with it in a way that overcomes pain, has laid out new =
ways of thinking in respect to RSI, Arthritis, Rheumatism etc. One =
constant that arrives on the doorstep is, Bracing, Arm and Back =
Supports, Bandages and etc.
Most problems that arise from throwing pains are muscular, and the =
correct way forward in my estimation and years of actual experience, is =
in muscular treatment.
I have wwritten about RSI, how to overcome Carpel Tunnel, Tennis Elbow =
and etc. in the past many times. I have healed myself - and a fair few =
others - from some major torments.
I am not setting myself up as a healer or that my system is efficacious =
in every way (ask Lilly the Pink), neither am I saying throw away your =
crutches.
I am saying there is an alternative to relying on outside support and =
sources when throwing. Bracing does not solve the problem - it skirts =
around it, finds a supposedly easier way - but does not solve the root =
cause; this being lack of awareness of how our bodies function under =
certain circumstances, correct methods of approach to the wheel - full =
body throwing.
Most injuries from throwing - besides repetion (RSI) - are due to:-
Clay too stiff
Potter being too stiff
Muscles too stiff
Brain too stiff
Attitude too stiff.
We need to change, just chill, relax, don't get all worked up, and =
practice. There is no short cut to learning to throw well, save practice =
and repetition. So why do we immediately grab for a crutch when we =
sustain an injury from throwing? Learn to cope and understand your body. =
This takes time, patience and, yes you've guessed it, PRACTICE.
Happy and Safe Potting from Marek
Hand made Architectural Ceramics from No9 Studio UK www.no9uk.com
Fully Residential Pottery Courses and more at Mole Cottage =
www.moleys.com
"Tips and Time Travel from a Vernacular Potter" reviews on =
www.keramix.com
an irreverent point of view after 35 years in the game Marek =
Drzazga-Donaldson =20
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