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Enzo Loyal user CA 243 Posts |
A reaction somewhere on this forum from someone saying they developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (a form of repetitive strain injury) scared the s**t out of me. I had CTS a couple of years ago from working at the computer under stress and I was wondering if anyone has experience with CTS in relation to magic.
What I can say to beginners trying to master sleights is to be careful to * take regular breaks; for instance a micro-pause of 30 seconds every couple of minutes and a longer break every hour or so, (drink a lot of water so you have to go to the bathroom a lot, this is also good for your skin by the way (hands!)); * avoid doing series of more than 10 repetitions of the same sleight; * do stretching exercises, also of the shoulders: although it is felt mostly in the wrists and hands, CTS often has its origins in the back and shoulders; * stand or sit up straight when practicing, instead of hanging on the sofa (I admit I'm guilty of this too sometimes); * stop immediately for the rest of the day if you feel a tingling sensation in your hand. Does anyone have any other tips to avoid developing CTS, but still efficiently acquiring sleights (I do believe in practice, practice, practice)? |
gh256 Loyal user 251 Posts |
I have to admit I have got to carried away sometimes with practicing and done myself harm. Just what you have said above helps. Also taking a few days off. I have been practicing Losanders floating table a bit to much. Taking a few days out will let you heal up but also leaves your mind to work on the effect and moves in the background.
I couldn't do the "Hummer card" once, left it for a day or two, tried again and did it perfectly. |
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
Mostly what is going to result in CPT syndrome over a long period of time from magic sleights is over gripping. Most magicians learn to use a minimum grip with practice.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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Enzo Loyal user CA 243 Posts |
Quote:
I couldn't do the "Hummer card" once, left it for a day or two, tried again and did it perfectly. Good tip! I do this in my work (with reports), but never thought about doing it with a magic trick. Quote:
Mostly what is going to result in CPT syndrome over a long period of time from magic sleights is over gripping. Most magicians learn to use a minimum grip with practice. I don't know exactly about CPT syndrome, but some repetitive strain injury, especially the cases where there is no clear single pathophysiology, is essentially caused by prolonged stress and repetitive movement, not the exact type of movement. It is quite common amongst professional musicians who, I suppose, are also trained to use minimum grip. Nevertheless, if in magic RSIs are not common, that's great news. Also, maybe magicians don't stress; anyone any comments on that thought? |
munkywrench Loyal user Conway, SC 298 Posts |
I get a little tenderness in my forearms and hands from time to time while practicing in the mirror. It comes from not warming up properly and not stopping when your body tells you i.e. muscle cramps. I learned this from experiencing the same pain while playing guitar. I use a strap much like the tennis elbow straps folks wear and it helps some. The muscles in the hands and forearms work in concert. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome for the more technical info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_elbow magicians can get this to from holding positions that require the elbow to stay bent for long periods of time. Your hands our your main tool in magic and like all tools the proper Preventive Maintenance goes along way.
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