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Playing with Embouchure Dystonia

Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2024-11-27 08:07
Attachment: Embouchure Brace 1.jpg (192k)
Attachment: Embouchure Brace 2.jpg (234k)
Attachment: Embouchure Brace 3.jpg (402k)
Attachment: Embouchure Brace 4.jpg (187k)

For the past few decades, I have tried so many embouchure formations that I've lost count. Each one failed as I could feel the contractions of my focal dystonia muscles on the right side of my mouth begin to contract. The day after was usually one of pain which I knew in a few days would go away.

As I contemplated my rather unique problem, it finally occurred to me that no embouchure formation was going to allow me to play and that I was going to need some form of device to place pressure upon the right side of my mouth in order to prevent my damaged muscles from being used.

I thought about various mechanisms, both inside and outside of my mouth that I thought could help me. And, yes, I prayed about my problem because I wanted to play some hymns.

I don't remember exactly when, but a basic design began to be seen in my mind. The more I concentrated upon this conceptualized design, the more convinced I became that it could actually help me play again.

To make this story shorter, I had to find the appropriate acrylic thickness, learn how to bend acrylic, and go through numerous sizing experiments, screw placement, and a short search for material to help prevent slippage between the acrylic brace and acrylic/hard rubber mouthpieces.

I see several advantages to the "Embouchure Brace":

1) Allowing players with embouchure focal dystonia to play again;
2) Allow players to play for longer periods of time without embouchure tiring;
3) Allow players to play a stronger reed than their current embouchure development will allow them.

Yes, it's a simplistic, homemade device which can give the viewer of the enclosed pictures the idea of "I can make that easily." Let me assure you of one thing: It is not easy to duplicate. Trust me...I know only too well.

All I can say now is that it feels great to play again, and, when I'm through playing, my mouth feels as if I haven't even played at all.

I made this not only to help myself, but, hopefully to help others as well.

Please feel free to email me directly if you would like to make a brace like this for yourself for whatever reason.

Thanks for stopping by and I wish a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Post Edited (2024-11-27 08:19)

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Re: Playing with Embouchure Dystonia

Author: ruben
Date: 2024-11-27 13:19

Dear Dan, I hope other people with similar problems will benefit from your invention and your positive attitude when confronted with this issue. Maybe you could see somebody from the medical profession and highly refine and pinpoint your "brace".

rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com

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