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rutabaga Inner circle Toronto, Canada 1283 Posts |
Hello friends,
I haven't posted here for a good while (though I've dipped in now and then to check things out!). Coin magic was my great love growing up, and I got seriously back into it almost 20 years ago. So much fun! I was never great at it (I think confidence more than technical barriers haha. I could never really shake running when not being chased!), but I sure learned a LOT from all the great coin guys here. Sadly, arthritis is now seriously affecting my hands. Some of my fingers cannot straighten beyond 45 degrees, and my palms have developed odd and distracting bumps. I'm sure I'm not alone in the coin magic world dealing with this affliction, and hope others might have some advice for me. I don't intend to be a professional haha, but I used to enjoy performing the occasional little miracle I fear that time may be over for me. Looking at where coin magic is now, with such amazing talent as Danny Goldsmith around, gives me great pleasure. Personally, I resigned myself to being the audience when I saw the crazy work by Ponta years ago. I tended to stick to the Slydini, Ramsey, and Roth effects as more in my (just, lol) abilities technically. So many of these legends have been lost to us now – especially David Roth, and if I may say Todd Lassen, from whom I bought most of my gaffs. So thank you for your attention, and if you have any tips on limited and/or distracting hands, I look forward to your reply! |
tonsofquestions Inner circle 1802 Posts |
I know Funsway suffers from some similar problems, and either released a book or has one underway talking about some solutions to it.
He might chime in to this thread, or you could reach out directly. Not all the answers you wanted, but it's a start! |
Michael Rubinstein V.I.P. 4665 Posts |
In his final years, Roth developed arthritis with swollen knuckles, and couldn't perform (and believe me, he was extremely frustrated by this!). He went to several doctors, and none could figure out a cause. One of the things he told me that helped, was putting his hands into melted wax (my guess was that it was cool enough not to burn him, but warm enough to help the circulation). Anyway, he said that he always felt better after the treatment.
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gregg webb Inner circle 1564 Posts |
I find the billiard ball roll as an exercise to be good and I think it is the sideways stretch that helps. The width of the ball spreads the fingers apart sideways which action is rarely used in day to day life. Luckily I have billiard balls-Vernet are good. Lately I found a ball of modeling clay to be good too.
The Chinese have the idea of exercising the muscles to open and pull back the hand and fingers - up to the wrist, to offset the over-use of the muscles that close or clench the hand. (The muscles are on the back of the forearm and cables of tendon go under the wrist fascia to the fingers.) I taught anatomy for artists and am not a doctor but as a sleight-of-hand artist I pick up what I can. |
gregg webb Inner circle 1564 Posts |
P.s. Sorry-an afterthought, if you spread out your hand like a starfish, and really work at it like isometrics...then arch your hand back at the wrist...another good stretch. Books on the martial art of Aikido have hand and wrist exercises that are unique. All these exercises and stretches have to be done regularly to help.
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
Some solutions depend on the type of arthritis involved, especially response to medication. Pain reduction minimized sensitivity too.
The big problem for me is confidence in not dropping a coin, or knowing where in hand it is at the moment. I have changed palming methods over the years in an attempt to adjust, now using mostly Liwag Subtlety and Palmer Clip. I often cannot open a TUC anymore by most techniques described in my book. On the plus side, my quest for alternative methods has led to the development of many new coin effects/routines, with special thanks to MB and Tim Feher for insisting I keep trying many years ago.
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
rutabaga Inner circle Toronto, Canada 1283 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 12, 2022, funsway wrote: Thanks for this – yes, I could see how one would be forced to be inventive in certain areas! Aside from dexterity issues, I'm feeling my hands themselves are drawing a bt of attention, they are slightly knarled. People probably thuink I'm holding out when I'm bot just by the way some fingers curl haha. |
gallagher Inner circle 1168 Posts |
Https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7889887/
There's actually a lot of information down these lines, on the internet. We have used 'Bor' very effectively, for the past ten years; in fighting,..'curing?' Arthritis, in the knees, of my Lady,...a Tap Dancer. I hope it can help you, as well. gallagher |
rutabaga Inner circle Toronto, Canada 1283 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 13, 2022, gallagher wrote: Thanks so much, I'll check it out! |
Bob G Inner circle 2830 Posts |
I suggest going to a good physical therapist, one who specializes in hands. I'm no expert -- it might not help -- but I've been going to such a person, and she has all kinds of ingenious techniques (including the molten parrafin that Michael Rubentstein mentioned). I'd never have guessed it, but I have the beginning of an arthritic condition in my little finger. She's given me a brace to wear on it (it's less rigid than a splint, so I can do my normal activities but with far less pain), and she's come up with exercises that will help keep the condition from getting worse.
Anyway, best of luck! Bob |
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
I am also going to a hand physical therapist for medium carpal tunnel.
Here exercise is helping. I've slowed down at age 70 as well as reduced my practice time. My hands are far from perfect with arthritis and carpal. This 4 coins 2 hands. Nothing extra. https://youtu.be/Dd6rvquvb4M
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
Very nice, Harris.
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Thanks Marion.
I am keeping it simple as I get back working with coins. Luckily my arthritis doesn't affect my music. I've been playing harmonica with a small orchestra.
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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