Unexpected Hazard of Rotary Cutting

No, I didn't cut myself. I pride myself on how careful I am when using my rotary cutter. Knock on wood, I've never had an accident. 

However recently, I've been experiencing some twinges in my right arm that extended to my chest. I was concerned enough to consult my doctor because this was definitely a symptom I haven't had before. He checked me out this week and said he felt no lumps or other abnormalities, but felt we should have a diagnostic test just to be sure.

I had the test yesterday and got the results already.  My doc says my discomfort is due to "a musculoskeletal strain or sprain and should resolve over time", no doubt caused by excessive rotary cutting. The only exercise my right arm gets lately.

Whaaaat? 

I know. 

Well, I am certainly relieved that it isn't a more serious situation, but who knew rotary cutting could cause arm strain?


So, I'm going into the weekend relieved about my medical diagnosis but wanting to get back in the saddle with some sewing, and yes, rotary cutting.

Archie, in the photo above, is pretty proud of the big stick he found. That is the cardboard tube that Ryan's striped cushion fabric was wound around. Archie thinks he has hit the Motherlode. He has never met a stick he didn't love.

Have a great weekend everyone. 

Comments

[Mary]

Glad your 'condition' wasn't more serious. But because of overusing the rotary cutter?! Who knew?!

[Cathy]

I hope you recover from your musculoskeletal strain asap,but am relieved as it could have been worse. Last August, I got tendinitis in my right foot from excessive driving (I know, sounds ridiculous). The joys of an aging body. In other news, our dogs love to chew on the cardboard tubes that wrapping paper comes on, I'm sure it is their favorite thing about Christmas.

[sue s]

I call it "quilting elbow"(as opposed to tennis elbow) and I have it in spades. My doctor's nurse recommended, and gave me, wrist exercises to strengthen the muscles.I actually think mine is worsened by doing free motion quilting on my janome domestic machine, because I have to move all those layers of fabric around over and over. Hopefully a little rest will help yours from getting any worse.
Archie is such a love.Sometimes the cheapest toys are the best!

[Nancy B]

I hope this resolves itself fairly quickly. Miserable but such a relief to know nothing more serious. I can relate. Maybe not to excessive rotary cutting, but I've had both shoulders repaired and rebuilt - things reattached with pins etc. or simply shredded so badly the Dr severed the tendon - all from excessive conducting and hard pit orchestra accompanying. Meh. I get those twinges from age, still long music hours and excessive needlepoint stitching. I'm sure my 'girls' are entirely fatty too!!

You know I love those Archie antics. What's not to love about cardboard tubes!

[Betty]

What a great incentive to work on all those unfinished projects instead of cutting up fabric.nah. Archie is a beautiful pup.

[Erin]

The dangers of quilting! Who knew? I hope your issues heal quickly. I've been switching from hand crank sewing to treadle sewing purposely to avoid issues. I hope it keeps them away. It's my only exercise!

[Carolyn]

Wow, that's crazy! I guess repetitive stress injuries can happen with anything! I'm nursing a very sore left shoulder right now, I started taking care of my 6 month old granddaughter this week and although I carry her in my left arm, which is fine, I do everything else with my right and now I can barely lift that arm. The joys of aging, I guess! I hope your cutting arm is healed soon! Have you looked into an AccuQuilt cutter? I love mine!

[Carolyn]

Correction, my right shoulder is the hurting one, left shoulder is good. I somehow said both were sore in my comment! 🤣

[Sandra]

I hope that your shoulder feels better soon. I guess as quilters we should all realize that rotary cutting is a repetitive motion that can cause problems. I was aware of repetitive motion injuries when working, but not quilting! I try to change my blade more frequently because a dull blade is definitely a contributing factor. Archie looks pretty happy with his prize! 🐾🐾🐾

[Diane]

Glad to hear you’re okay!

[CarolE]

I'm certainly glad nothing serious was going on with you! I have experienced aches and pains as well sometimes. I get on a roll and cut all the fabric for an entire quilt because I just want to get it done! I need to learn to take breaks and that goes for when I am at the sewing machine all day too.

[Ina]

one of your readers was a conductor??!! now that's interesting! ;p

it's gonna be rainy this weekend so you might as well start your rest period with a good book. you have lots to pick from on your shelf.

river LOVES those cardboard rolls and boxes(empty or not). we throw them in the garage for him to tear apart while I'm putting on my walking gear. it makes him so happy.

unfortunately, I had one with coffee beans sitting on the kitchen floor. it was still sealed and had just been delivered. I left the room for 10 mins only to come back and find coffee beans scattered on the living room floor. ugh. my fault. lesson learned.

[June]

For several months my left shoulder hurt then occasional chest pain.
I decided it was time to get it checked out. Four tests down and at least one more to go.. some issues discovered but nothing definitive yet.
Using a rotary cutter never occurred to me.

[Sally]

I'm glad to hear your condition was nothing more serious. Hopefully a little rest will do the trick. Archie is such a cutie-pie with his "stick"!

Nancy B, how cool that you were/are a conductor!

[Christine Cole]

I dont have any arm strain from rotary cutting, but my left pinky finger is killing me from all of my quilting activities lately. It seems ridiculous but I am at an age where I can hurt myself sleeping in my bed or sitting on the couch.

[Jan]

Add me to the voices commentating about Nancy B being an orchestra conductor! Your readers are a very diverse group! I’m sorry to read about your discomfort! But happy it’s not worse—rotary cutter-itis isn’t life threatening. Archie looks quite pleased with himself!

[Mary Kastner]

Take care of yourself! Whi would have thought?!

Mary

[Vickie]

Senior Fitness with Meredith.
YouTube
Wide variety of stretches,
targeting specific areas,
from 7-50 minutes.
I think they are very good for flexibility
and increasing range of motion.
Vickie

[Vic]

Hope your shoulder fees better soon. You might try the Martelli rotary cutter. I just started using it, takes a bit to get used to it, but I think it is more ergonomic than the "regular" rotary cutters.