Which doctor do I see for hand related problems?

[theholygideons]

I've recently been experiencing stiffness in the wrists that's getting worse and restricting my playing. The reason may not only be from tennis. Which doctor or practitioner would be best for such injuries, or do I go to the GP doctor first?

[dogperson]

The answer really depends on where you live, type of medical coverage, and whether a specialist would want a referral from a GP.  I would call a Sports Medicine physician directly, but they may want you to get a referral from a GP in order to book an appointment.

[michael_c]

There are also doctors who specialise in treating musicians. An internet search may reveal a specialist centre near where you live.

[dcstudio]

neurologist.
orthopedic surgeon


of course if you have crappy insurance you need to get a referral from the GP first.

they will do an MRI and x-ray. nerve test.  then pretty much tell you to stop doing whatever repetitive motion is causing your wrists to lock up.  if you keep complaining they will want to cut you open ... 

try a chiropractor too..  sometimes they can really help.

[ashtonm]

An orthopedic hand specialist. I'm going to school for physical therapy, so I have a pretty good idea of what their work is capable of. Not to mention, they've successfully treated my wrist issues (Which she discovered the source of the problem was in my elbow). They can treat you - trust me.

Ashton

[expressman70]

An orthopedic hand specialist. I'm going to school for physical therapy, so I have a pretty good idea of what their work is capable of. Not to mention, they've successfully treated my wrist issues (Which she discovered the source of the problem was in my elbow). They can treat you - trust me.

Ashton

Sounds great, do you mind sharing how they did it? In terms of did you have to have surgery, or what was the degree of treatment like? Thank you!

[louispodesta]

I've recently been experiencing stiffness in the wrists that's getting worse and restricting my playing. The reason may not only be from tennis. Which doctor or practitioner would be best for such injuries, or do I go to the GP doctor first?

"I've recently been experiencing stiffness in the wrists that's getting worse and restricting my playing. The reason may not only be from tennis."

First, I am not, as a student of Thomas Mark, a big aficionado of the concept of the "supple wrist."  There is much more to having the human body play the piano than that.

Therefore, I first recommend that you obtain a copy (Amazon or your local library) of his book, "What Every Pianist Needs To Know About The Body."  Every university piano department head has this in their personal library.

Next, you will discern that Dr. Mark specifies that the sternovenicular jouint is the point of articulation for the entire upper arm movement.  This is where the collar bone joins the sternum.

Please place your two fingers of either hand on that joint and then move your entire other upper arm apparatus accordingly.

I hope this helps, and you can play tennis using the same modality.

[schumaniac]

"I've recently been experiencing stiffness in the wrists that's getting worse and restricting my playing. The reason may not only be from tennis."

First, I am not, as a student of Thomas Mark, a big aficionado of the concept of the "supple wrist."  There is much more to having the human body play the piano than that.

Therefore, I first recommend that you obtain a copy (Amazon or your local library) of his book, "What Every Pianist Needs To Know About The Body."  Every university piano department head has this in their personal library.

Next, you will discern that Dr. Mark specifies that the sternovenicular jouint is the point of articulation for the entire upper arm movement.  This is where the collar bone joins the sternum.

Please place your two fingers of either hand on that joint and then move your entire other upper arm apparatus accordingly.

I hope this helps, and you can play tennis using the same modality.

While I'm not knowledgeable enough to pass a lot of judgement on this post^ I have to say Thomas Mark's book is a great, well constructed one and really does provide a lot of insights. He is an extremely respectable teacher, especially when it comes to helping those who have injured themselves.

[pianoplunker]

I've recently been experiencing stiffness in the wrists that's getting worse and restricting my playing. The reason may not only be from tennis. Which doctor or practitioner would be best for such injuries, or do I go to the GP doctor first?

Not knowing availability of doctors, I would use 20 minutes ice, 20 minutes heat. Repeat