Rotator Cuff problems from FMQ?
05-03-2016, 11:32 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Carmichael, CA
Posts: 2,146
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.
05-03-2016, 12:09 PM
#22
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
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
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.
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.
05-03-2016, 03:45 PM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
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!
05-04-2016, 04:50 AM
#25
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
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
05-04-2016, 05:09 AM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 5,614
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.
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05-04-2016, 08:21 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,857
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!
05-04-2016, 03:20 PM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Fairfield, OH
Posts: 3,694
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.
05-04-2016, 05:15 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 311
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.
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