Klarinet Archive - Posting 000142.txt from 1997/12

From: Jennifer Rose McKenna <jrm0013@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Advice for TMJ?
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 1997 12:39:56 -0500

hi!!!
this is cool, i have tmj too!! i've had horrible trouble with
it lately. my new clarinet teacher has the problem also, she
has a homeopathic medicine called sepia, i tried it and the
stuff is amazing, i love it!! Also i'm going through a
embouchure change, i'm getting a new mouthpiece-gillioti(sp?)
and i'm changing reed strengths. i usually play on on a 3.5
but now i'm changing to a 3...i love the opera reeds for
that, the vandorens are pretty good..but because they are
soooo inconsistent i love the zonda reeds!! I also hav to
watch how i'm biting...thats my big problem...i really have a
big problem with that..what it is, i push my jaw
out-especially when i play in the third octave, you might
want to see how you play the third octave. I had cortizone
shots that helped for as much as 4 weeks...but its VERY
painful!!! i live in massachusetts and have an appointment at
massachusetts medicle center where they have a musicians
health center, you might want to check for things in your
area. WARNING--- the bite plate that you are supposed to wear
only works for a few ppl and only for a short period of time.
if you need somemore help specifically i can try and
help..email me at jrm0013@-----.ok? good luck

jennifer mckenna
jrm0013@-----.edu
university of north texas
clarinet concentration/music ed major

On Thu, 4 Dec 1997 15:35:18 -0600 (CST) Jennifer Wetzel
<mujkw8@-----.edu> wrote:
> Hi! I was wondering if anyone out there has TMJ or knows any musicians
> who do and what they have done to allieviate their pain. I am a junior in
> college and play in Woodwind Quintet, Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. With
> practice time and all, I play MANY hours a day. THis causes me much pain
> and makes playing very difficult on some days. My clarinet teacher does
> not know anyone with this, but he has been working with my embouchure to
> help relieve the pressure placed on my jaw while playing. I started
> playing double lip about a month ago and this has helped some.
> I have also been to see a specialist. I am taking pain killers, doing
> excercises, and will be getting splints (appliances) to wear in January.
> But, I was just curious if any of you might have this and any suggestions
> you may have to help my playing. I would really appreciate any advice!
>
> Jennifer