Starting off with the harmonica as suggested by Michael is a good way
to start. Perhaps another way would be to ask the patient to blow
through the mouthpiece(with the reed attached) of the saxophone without
the body. This would not create as much PEEP and thus much less tiring
and less pain
for the patient. It would probably be a good morale booster as well. To
progress from there, a balloon could be attached to the end of the
mouthpiece to increase the resistance required. Slowly, progress the
patient to the saxophone body with crochets (1 beat notes, then to
minims (2 beat notes), then (4 beat notes), leading on to short phrases,
thus
slowly creating expiratory endurance....ie if you have that much rehab
time
with the patient. However, that would be about more than 2-3 months
post-op, as pain at the sternal surgical site would discourage such
exertion. Amidst all this, ensure adequate pain relief.
I hope that helps.
Chee Wee, Tan
Singapore Armed Forces
Physiotherapist
> -----Original Message-----
> From: P Chawner <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Friday, September 24, 1999 12:30 PM
> Subject: CABG rehab
>
> >Dear List,
> >
> >I am presently involved in the rehab of a patient who is 3 days post-op
> >from coronary artery bypass graft surgery using a sternotomy approach. He
> >has specifically asked when he will be able to play the saxaphone again.
> >Has anyone any advice they could give as to when the best time would be?
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Peter Chawner
> >physio student
> >London, UK
> >
> >
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