 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Andrew Splawn
Date: 2010-09-29 18:12
I'm trying to find anyone who knows anything about Valsalva Maneuver or Valsalva Retinopathy. I played (saxophone) on a highly resistant setup: Dukoff D8, Vandoren 3.5 or 4. Almost blacked out at a gig, had a hernia while practicing, lots of pressure in my head, eyes, and neck. If anyone has experience with this or knows anyone to ask, please let me know. Thanks.
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2010-09-29 21:35
I don't know anything about Valsalva Maneuver or Valsalva Retinopathy, but I'm sure there are some online articles about these topics. What happened to you sounds downright scary. Did you consult a physician?
At one time, I had a clarinet setup that was somewhat resistant. I'd get a nice sound, but it sure was uncomfortable. After a while I'd feel the same pressure in my head, and I'd sometimes feel like I was about to get a hernia.
Please find a mouthpiece and reed combination that works for you.
Find something that gives you a nice sound and is comfortable to blow. Playing a clarinet or sax should never be painful.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2010-09-30 01:41
Ask your ophthalmologist. Don't mess around with your vision. If it were your hearing, would you?
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2010-09-30 02:32
At least you didn't have an anuerism! There's no sound that's worth killing yourself over.
D8 Dukoff with a #4 reed????? I wouldn't even consider more than a 3, and probably a 2.5 with that thing. (I have one, but very rarely use it).
Dave Sanborn probably used a 2.5 with it if I recall.
I looked it up - Saxquest had a thread on it:
His specific setup is/was a Selmer Mark VI Alto, Dukoff D8 with either 2.5 or 3 Java reeds.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-09-30 10:08
The Valsalva Maneuver is the use of your abdominal muscles to create pressure in your abdominal region. This can be handy for "relieving constipation" OR applying pressure against the thorax to create a constant, supported stream of air.
Like anything, I believe it is possible to over due a "good thing." Sounds like you're creating too much pressure and moving too much air. The idea is to use this in an efficient way. If there is no underlying medical condition that is causing you grief (by all means see a doctor), then you may want to consult Arnold Jacob's book "Song and Wind." This great tuba player, formerly of the Chicago Symphony studied medicine to arrive at his use of breath control and was able to be the outstanding tuba player he was just on one lung. Many wind players who passed through Chicago studied with him at one time or another to learn the most efficient use of their breathing.
..................Paul Aviles
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Author: Andrew Splawn
Date: 2010-09-30 22:30
Thanks. I have seen a few retina specialists, and none seem to think that my eye problems have anything to do with my playing. I explained to them that they get worse as I play, and that afterward, I usually have a darn good headache. The specialists say it can't be related. They say there's nothing they can do to help. So, I'm investigating different theories to see if I can pinpoint my symptoms and situation.
Thanks again.
Andrew.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2010-09-30 23:07
My ophthalmologist has asked me multiple times if I use the Valsalva maneuver while playing and would have required that I stop playing for a longer time after my cataract surgeries if I did. Breath support as I use it doesn't use the precise version of the Valsalva that she worried about because of the flow of air actually leaving the lungs...
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-10-01 11:19
It should be noted hear that Robert Marcellus had to give up his playing career over pressure on his optic nerve. It was only after going completely blind that he was once again free to play as much as he wanted.
...............Paul Aviles
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