 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: JohnW
Date: 2016-01-11 21:17
I've contracted Bell's Palsy, which is caused by an impairment of some facial nerves caused by swelling and pressure on the nerves. The effect is like having an injection of novocaine from the dentist.
I cannot play with half my mouth, not immobilized, but with a total loss of muscle tone allowing air to just blow out one side of my lips.
This is a relatively benign affliction and typically disappears in 3-6 weeks.
Does anyone have any suggestions for exercises or methods to try to preserve muscle strength in the oris and cheek musculature. When this goes away, I want to regain my playing as quickly as I can.
Thanks to all,
John
JohnW
amateur adult beginner, oboe and cor
www.OboeHobo.com
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Author: kimber
Date: 2016-01-15 04:37
As a speech therapist in my day job, we typically do not recommend any mouth exercises for Bells Palsy. What tends to happen with exercise practice is that the normal working side of the face/muscles start to recruit additional fibers to try to compensate for the weakened ones ( like if you're curling a heavy barbell, you might start 'helping' with your back or ab muscles instead of just letting the arms do the work.) Then, once the Bells resolves, you are left with the normal side of your face even 'stronger' and now have to unlearn the abnormal fiber activation. Once you get back approx. 3/4 movement, you can start trying easy/short embouchure work.
Good luck for a speedy recovery.
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Author: JohnW
Date: 2016-01-15 06:53
Thanks for the professional input. I'm an impatient patient, I guess. I was making some real progress on the music for my orchestra, and now I'm stopped cold.
I'm spending some time studying theory and composition as a substitute.
There's always making reeds, of course, but right now I can't make them crow. The percussionist offered to have me play something I can bang on. :-)
JohnW
amateur adult beginner, oboe and cor
www.OboeHobo.com
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Author: JohnW
Date: 2016-01-22 21:06
So after two weeks of treatment, the BP is almost gone. Apparently I have had a mild case, for which I am grateful. The treatment consisted of a tapered dosage of prednisone and a course of acyclovir.
The last of the steroids was yesterday and I'm looking forward to returning to a normal appetite and sleep routine.
I've been able to start blowing the horn for short periods, though my mouth is still not totally symmetrical. One of the main effects is to make me realize how much a part of my life the oboe has become. I really miss my practice and hated missing two concerts.
For the next cycle the orchestra is doing Beethoven 2 and I am really looking forward to playing that.
Thanks for the kind comments to Kimber.
John
JohnW
amateur adult beginner, oboe and cor
www.OboeHobo.com
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