Rotator Cuff problems from FMQ?
 

Has anyone had rotator cuff or shoulder problems from doing FMQ-ing?

I did a couple of hours yesterday and today my rotator cuff is sore. I have an old injury there, so it makes me nervous that I'm not going to be able to FMQ because I'll make it flair up again.

Any hints or suggestions to avoid stress on my left shoulder when I FMQ?

Thanks, Watson

What are you sewing on? Long Arm or DSM? Ergonomics is everything - what you are working on needs to be at a height that is appropriate for you. I bought the Jennoop frame to hold my quilt up so it moves easier instead of me holding it up.

I get wrist problems, but shoulder don't seem to be a problem for me.

I always go back to the OSHA Ergonomics guidelines (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/sew...iondesign.html)

Have a flat surface for your quilt to rest on. I made this IKEA Hacks table (http://frommartawithlove.com/2012/10...able-tutorial/) and I'm now working on a DIY suspension system to get the weight of the quilt up off the table completely. If I had the money, I might buy Quilt Suspenders (http://www.jennoop.com/suspenders.html) but instead I'm making my own version that is a perfect fit for my table out of wood, a PVC pipe and a few loops of elastic with clamps somewhat similar to what Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry uses (http://www.bryerpatch.com/faq/machin...mq.htm#Qcradle).

The most common reason I've found for shoulder issues is when I'm not sitting centered with the needle. Your arms should be at the same height as the machine bed & when you set them on the table with your pinkies on the table & fingers pointed at the machine, there should be equal space between your hand and the needle on each side.

My shoulders ache sometimes when I'm FMQing. I think part of it is just tensing up, some of it is posture and some of it is working too long at a time without a break. I try to work in shorter spurts (maybe 20 minutes at a time) and take breaks in between. Relaxing as you work helps too.

It is important to take regular breaks when quilting. It can be hard on shoulders, wrists & backs. I set a timer for 45 minutes. When the timer goes off I Stop. Walk away, go get a drink, maybe a snack, check the mail, start a load of wash; what ever. Stay away for at least 15 minutes. Reset alarm & start again. I find my quilting is better & actually goes faster without discomfort later.

I found FMQing on my domestic machine pretty hard on my entire upper body. If you are FMQing on a domestic machine, I would recommend investing (or making) a suspender system for the quilt while you are working on it. This takes a *lot* of the weight off your body. Here is a link to a commercial system, although some people make their own out of PVC: http://www.jennoop.com/suspenders.html

And here is a short Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJGph8am6BE

I have had some pains in my fingers. I just spread out fingers and wiggle them. My ring sizes have gotten larger.
I would think some of your problem is from tensing up. Try to relax.

it is probably your setup is not ergonomic

OMG, yes! I tried free-motion quilting for the first time a couple of weeks ago on my DSM - for about 2 hours with no breaks - and my rotator cuff took about two weeks to heal. Guess you and I both need the advice above. (Thank you, more experienced quilters!)

Ergonomics and take regular breaks. Set table so your elbows bend at 90 degrees. Make sure your shoulders are in a relaxed position before you start. Don't sew more than 45 minutes at a time. Those are the basics. My biggest issue is getting tense from pushing the fabric around. I found it much better to quilt only a small section at a time. It keeps my shoulders from tensing up.


Pam

I never had a problem but it is like everything else in life, you should get up and move about and stretch every 15 minutes. Check some of the above posts and see if you are set up correctly.

Yes I have had rotator cuff surgery on both of my shoulders I do believe it was from wrestling the quilts Now I have a long arm and it does not bother the shoulders

I also have an old rotator cuff injury and have to be careful. Sit up higher so that your forearms sit flat on your sewing table without your shoulders scrunching. It seems wierd at first, but helps so much. Keep your elbows in as much as possible. When you stick your left elbow out it aggravates your shoulder. Also try hard to not clench your jaw and neck. I tense up too much and have to be very conscious.

Are you sure it's your rotator cuff? I was having problems with my shoulders and the doctor diagnosed calcific tendinitis.

"Calcific tendinitis (also called calcific tendinopathy) happens when calcium builds up in the tendons. It is most common in the shoulders. People most affected by calcific tendinitis are between 30 and 50 years old, and women are more likely to have it than men. It isn't normally a sports-related problem."

It was easily treated - I had an in-office procedure to loosen and remove most of the calcium deposit, followed up with physical therapy, and am right as rain now.

I purchased a wooden quilting frame which was set up for my machine and me. Back home just a case of putting it together. I was so excited and pumped up I did over two hours of nonstop quilting( only to fill bobbins). The next day I was over the moon with my success. The day after that I could handle move from my waist upwards. My arms, shoulders back etc all hurt. Movement was very difficult. I had done too much in one go.
Since then I have a 20 minute rule for any sewing. 20 mins sew 20 mins relax and catch up with jobs or have a drink. I have had no more problems.

Peckish, yes it is rotator cuff. I've damaged both of them through separate horseback riding accidents so I know what it feels like.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions on how to sit differently to guard against further damage. I was sad when I began thinking I couldn't free motion anymore!
Watson

I would also suggest to warm up your muscles! It sounds silly, but do shoulder rotations forward and back and arm circles. I have a shoulder injury from many years ago, and doing push-ups without being properly warmed up caused it to flare up again. Had I warmed my muscles up correctly, I am sure I could have avoided all that pain.

I've had rotator cuff problems from computer mouse use. What causes mine to flare up is if I don't keep my elbow on the desk as I use the mouse. I don't know if that's what causes yours to flare, but it might help to make sure your arm is supported and not putting any stress on the shoulder area. That and not tensing my shoulder help a lot. I rarely have any problems now.

Yes, I get shoulder pain after I FMQ too. Just did a quilt on Sunday and I am still sore. Not sure that it's my rotor cuff, but definately muscles related to that area. I just plan on piecing for a while so hopefully the strain will heal soon :-) I agree with Prism99; quilting on my DSM is hard on the upper body overall.

This all makes sense and it works at the computer. If your whole body is aligned, you won't get aches. and I've learned to take breaks

Watson, I've had shoulder surgery on one for bone spurs cutting into the rotator cuff and FMQ on the domestic machine was agony for shoulders, back and neck. I got a long arm and find that I don't have that problem even though my machine is not light (it's a Gammill). If I do a lot of ruler work, which means moving the machine one armed, my arm does get tired. I think you were thinking about a sit down machine weren't you? Know it's more expensive but you might want to check into a long arm (used?) as the process is much different. I then found that cutting out a whole quilt was killing my non-surgical shoulder and it felt like rotator cuff again--got the Accuquilt GO Big (electric) and I'm saved! Cheaper than my medical co-pay for another surgery!

Get a big tube of Voltiran!

I am sorry to hear about your shoulder problems. I have had 2 rotator cuff surgeries and am anticipating a shoulder replacement in my future. I did have the big quilting frame with my machine on it and found that because of the way it sat caused me pain. So i had to sell. My husband being the wonderful man he is worked with me to find just the right layout that would work for me. He modified an old wooden drafting table for me to that the top of table could lift up for me to change bobbin and to oil. It works perfectly and i don't experience any pain anymore when quilting

Watson, I don't know if this set-up will help with rotator cuff injuries, however it sure took the stress off my shoulders, neck and back. It is similar to the Jennoop system but I used Leah Day's system as my inspiration. Cost was minimal but it sure made the quilt easier to move, as you only have to move the part that is touching the table and not wrestle with the quilt falling off the table or onto the floor. I love it. My entire thread is here: http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...t-t276062.html but here is a picture to give you an idea of what I am talking about.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]549276[/ATTACH]

I think the most important lesson mentioned here is to take breaks. This is for any repetitive job. When quilting, I have my small iron set up next to my machine so I can pivot and press, but I take my chain piecing to my stand up iron station to do. This makes me get up, move and stand while pressing. I can work a lot longer by doing this. I also set a timer, so that every few hours I do a physical thing. This can be as simple as take out the trash, walk out to get the mail or walk to the corner and back. On the times when I feel I am under a deadline and don't do this, my body rebels the next day. That couple minutes relief really lets me work many, many more hours. This is advice for us at a certain (?!?) age, you youngins probably don't have these problems yet!

I had rotator cuff surgery 6 years ago. If I am not careful how I FMQ my shoulder will bother me some. I wear Machingers glove and use a Supreme Slider (the big one) I also find it less stressful on my shoulders if I raise my chair up some to FMQ.

My husband had rotator cuff surgery and at times certain things will bother it. Try and make sure you are not leaning and your body is straight as to not put any strain on your shoulders. Keep your quilting area at a height which is consistent with your stature. Hope this helps. Good luck.

What ever your setup is...........set a timer and stick to it!!!!!! 20 -30 minutes then Rest!!!!

I know it's hard to do especially when you get in a groove but your body will thank you. Jmho