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After two surgeries to relieve De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, one on each side, I worked with occupational therapists to first regain movement in my thumbs and then to relearn how to use my hands. It started with everyday skills, like opening jars and other fine motor skills, but eventually I asked to bring my flute once I was allowed to hold that much weight. I worked with the therapists on how to hold the flute, using devices that might open the hands and make the flute more comfortable to hold. I have reexamined the way I use the three balance points in relation to the flute and, ultimately, align my flute differently than before. My experience has made me realize the importance of making sure my students are holding their flutes in a balanced and advantageous way too. I now encourage my students to start by holding their flute with the balance points each time before they play, making sure they are engaging the correct parts of their hands to hold the flute versus their playing fingers, which should be free to dance on the keys. This way, they will be more comfortable and anatomically well-aligned, both with their flutes and arm structures. This presentation will outline my recovery process, how it shaped my method of teaching regarding holding the flute, and the positive results that have occurred in my studio because of this experience.