Watson

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

quiltingcandy

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.

Pennyhal

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

Bree123

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.

bjchad

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.

ckcowl

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.

Prism99

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

Jingle

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.

Tartan

​I need my Machinger gloves for extra grip moving the quilt sandwich in my Bernina. If the quilt is supported all around you really don't need much to move it. If you are using a long arm to quilt, then make sure it is at a comfortable height for your arms and shoulders. Take frequent breaks as well and do stretches.

Dolphyngyrl

it is probably your setup is not ergonomic