DeniseP

I do not look at any suggestions as bossy or pushy. We are all trying to help each other out in our addiction to fabric and quilting. Thank you all so much for your help and suggestions.

mrsdralshhadeh

as the ladies have said,,, a sharp blade and a stable cutting area is good,, you should not have to press to hard,, unless your cutting a few peices at one time,, I was having those issues,, asked around,,and found out my blade may not be sharp enough,, got a new one,, and now,, goes through like a hot knife in butter,, hope this helps.

nativetexan

how tall or short is your cutting table? that might make a difference. and if you have a microwave heating pad you can wear around your neck area, that should help.

Jim's Gem

I have bad shoulders and have had surgery on the right twice and the left once. The right is still not good.
I use a Martelli cutter and it is much easier on my shoulder than the Olfa or Fiskars. I highly recommend getting one of those.

Also, don't try to use a dull blade, it makes you have to press too hard.

amma

I warm up my shoulders, neck and hands with heated rice bags before cutting and sew. Stretching exercises before starting is a good thing too.
Take frequent breaks, every 15 minutes or so and strectch.

I like to cut for about 30 minutes and then do something else for 20-30 minutes, then go back to cutting.

I still find that I can only cut for a total of 2-3 hours in one day or my shoulder will give me fits :roll:

My Physical Therapist keeps stressing how important it is that we stretch for 10-15 minutes atleast 4 times a day. It doesn't have to be strenuous, just enough to get the blood and oxygen flowing to all areas to keep injuries/soreness from happening :wink:
Even for sitting and sewing :D:D:D

theresse

I pushed my thumb out of scoket, only I was pressing down on the ruller. My left hand was out of commision for 3 1/2 months. I felt sorry for myself then, dull blades. I won't make that mistake again.

dotcomdtcm

Someone clever should invent a Bengay dispenser with a roller on a long arm!

phoenixquilter

Hi, I have had 2 surgeries on my right shoulder(of course, I am right handed) and found that the height of the cutting surface seems to help. I found that my kitchen counter is the perfect height for me (about 36" high). It sems to put less strain on the shoulder. I hope this helps, as I feel your pain every day! Good luck

ckcowl

maybe you are putting too much pressure on your cutter...if your blades are sharp they should go through with out much pressure. also, try different height's to cut at...i found if i sit to cut it causes shoulder pain, also, i had to walk around the house trying different levels until i found the perfect height for me to stand and cut pain free. i tried the kitchen table...too low, the island...almost right...another table with stools not too bad, went out and bought a new cutting table that folds up and is just right. it is important to have your table the correct height for you to make it ergonomically work for you. also, dont cut a whole quilt at once...breaking up cutting time may help. but i think not putting so much pressure on the cutter and finding the correct height cutting surface will help amazingly well.

renee765

Now THAT is a great idea!