Is there such a thing? Like tennis elbow? lol

My right shoulder has been causing me a lot of trouble. I attribute it to cutting fabric. I've been taking Ibuprofen, but it's just not cutting (pardon the pun) it. Any ideas for easing the pain?

I use Aleve and Aspercream. . . They help a lot!! :)

Aspercream. Huh...I've heard of it, but never used it. I'll get some!! Thanks, Grama!!

Do stretch exercises periodically while you are cutting/sewing. I hunch my shoulders up toward my ears, hold them for a few counts, then push them downward as far as I can go for a few counts. Turn your head side to side. Any excercises that will strengthen your core and ease the tension on your rotator cuff should help. (I usually call that a 'rotary cuff' and get laughed at!!)

I finally went to a chiropractor, got some good therapy and he taught me a bunch of exercises that really help. Gotta take care of our quilter bodies!!

Is your cutting table at the proper height? Might want to try cutting on a higher table. Try a small project on your kitchen counter to see if that height is easier.

slap on one those heat patches, keeps working for hrs!

What is the height of your cutting table? Mine comes to about my belly button, which I think is right around the best height for cutting.

Aspercreme comes in a tube and you can get odor free. Just FYI.

OMGOSH !!!
this is me "shoulders TO THE EARS"
I don't remember NOT to do it .

I know that this sounds odd but it is important to have a well-fitted bra on that provides good support so that our necks and shoulders don't hurt so bad.

I had to go to physical therapy starting this week for the same problem. Repetitive motion with the rotary cutter is the culprit. I have to do stretches and for the next two weeks am not allowed to cut at all (thus I cannot quilt :roll: This is a real bummer, so don't keep working through the pain--give it a rest.

You can raise the height of your cutting table (if it's the folding, banquet style) using pieces of PVC pipe cut to make it the correct height. You just slip the legs into the pieces of pipe. Saw this the other day and thought it was ingenious!

Tylenol has a new creme out also..

This is funny...I have no boobs for a bra. lol I wear one to avoid irritation, but certainly don't need it for support. ROFL

Another option is to get an Accuquilt Go! so you can alternate rotary cutting with die cutting. This would cut down on repetitive motion. Could be less expensive than chiropractic and physical therapy appointments....... (and maybe more fun?)

I know that if I get up in the morning and go in and sit and sew. By the afternoon, my neck is bothering me. For awhile, it didn't hit me what might be causing the discomfort. I have a great chair to sit in and it helps with posture. AFter about 3 days, I got dressed and I noticed how my neck and shoulders didn't bother me. So I always make sure I at least have my bra on. Personal experience. I would never presume to know how well endowed anyone is. It isn't the size that counts, it is what we do with it.

Ice and a chiropractor

Years ago it was suggested to me to place my hand as high as I could on the side frame of the door, walk my fingers upward until I got a good stretch, lean into it a bit, hold briefly. Do this every day, maybe several times.

How I wish I had listened, been more diligent. My right shoulder is frozen. Intense msasage is helping a little bit but I'll be seeing an orthopedist soon and likely starting physical therapy.

Jan in VA

My problem is with my left rotator cuff. Went to the orthopedic doctor and had to go for physical therapy. Mine occcured from moving the weight of a large quilt around when quilting. Better since I started doing the exercises and DH made me an extension table. He also prescribed an anti-inflammatory.

I have had 5 back surgeries and I do NOT do all my rotary cutting at once. I may cut enough for portions of my next quilt in between sewing and pressing for the once I am working on. If you do the same motion-whatever it is-in excess, you will feel it. Besides a good height (stomach) make sure your cutting mat is "big"' enough and you are not leaning forward too far when you cut. With proper folding before cutting, you should be standing pretty "straight up" for the entire cut with minimal leaning. By working in the cutting with other quilt activities you should lessen the need for any medication. Good luck!

how high is your cutting table maybe this is your problem. But exercise your shoulders Hope this helps :lol:

this is how I raised my table and it saved my back from hurting when cutting. don't have the should problem but will start following the tips about stretching to hopefully keep avoiding this problem