The Genii Forum

As a amateur card magician my love for cards started at an early age.Fooling with a deck of cards is one of my hobbies.I love to practice for hours and preform at parties and social gatherings.
My problem started a few years back with pain in my thumbs.I have gone to three hand specialist and they tell me that it is not Carpal Tunnel.It seems that a nerve in my thumb area gets pinched and causes pain and numbness.They recommend that I don't make the same moves all the time which is hard to do.
I am wondering if any one else has the same problem and what they are doing about it.
I don't want to stop my great love of card magic any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Pete

Pete: Just like a major league can only do a certain number of pitches, magicians can only do the same repetitive moves before a problem arises.
Most hand surgeons have no idea what double lifts, palming, flourshes are or how to prevent injury from them. I would suggest varying your routines, antinflammatories i.e. Advil, Aleve, and ice packs immediately after your show for ~15-20 minutes. If that doesn't help, I would ask my Family doc for Vioxx, Celebrex, etc. If you still are having problems, I would see a Rheumatologist to make sure something else is not going on.

Hey Marlofan,

Maybe we can get together sometime. I work in Webster Groves although I live on the Illinois side. A onetime Marlo student originally from Chicago. Let me know what you think.

Jim Molinari

This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Until you get the use of your hands back you can use the time to really work on the vast array of card tricks which require very little technical skill. Some of these are the greatest card tricks of all time.
Out of this World, MacDonald Aces, Do as I do and many many more.

The trouble with being a technician is that there is a tendency to perform impractical material that laymen do not get excited over.

For card magic you really only need about 5 sleights anyway. Even with limited mobility in the hands you can adapt these to your own way.

The really important thing is your presentation and showmanship anyway.

I have been doing sleight of hand all my life. Just lately I have developed some arthritis in the fingers which is interfering with this. I do not care a jot. I am still working at trade shows and other venues. As long as my tongue is working that is all I need.

I feel your pain, been there done that. After a very long search I found what is called "Flex-a-min" and buy it at Wallgreens. I tried it for a month and man did it make a big difference. It is for achy joints (not the kind you smoke), and it is wonderful. Try it for a month or six weeks and I'm sure you will notice a big difference. Good luck.

Take care all
Vernon

Thanks for the ideas really appreciate that.Like the idea of the ice packs and the Flex-a-Min ,going to buy some tommorrow.I am trying to do routines and sleights that don't stress the thumbs that much which is not easy.Card trickster you are right lay people don't really care how or what sleight is used only on the effect and your presentation.Thanks for the idea on routines they are classic effects will add them in my act.
Thanks again.
Pete