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TMJ and Embouchure

Author: curlyev
Date: 2013-06-24 08:21

Okay, I've read LOTS of posts about TMJ on this board. I was wondering if any TMJ patients have to change their embouchure, not to something incorrect, but just something different. I mean I know some of you do, but is it a serious change? Does it affect your tone quality? Is it harder to play stacatto? We are doing a lot of march-style songs in our Symphonic Band for an Independence Day Festival, and the stacatto is a challenge (and boy is there a LOT of it). Normally it's no big deal.

I have noticed that when when my jaw does its weird stuff (right side is worse), I have to make a big change. I get good results using a Legere reed or a LaVoz Hard reed (my preference are Rue Lepic 3.5+, but I've noticed they don't work as well with my "TMJ embouchure," which is a bit looser).

I have had physical therapy in the past. It has not affected my singing voice much, other than I obviously can't open my mouth as wide as everyone else. My case is severe (3 mm opening at one point in time), but the discs are still strong, so I don't think I'll have to have surgery for awhile. I'm 32 if that matters. I also don't play during a severe flare-up, except when I have to. How do you all handle your playing during a flare-up?

I realized I asked 9 million questions, but I just wonder how you all handle the issue if it arises for you.

The weird t

Clarinet: Wooden Bundy 1950s
Mthpc: WW Co. B6 refaced by Kurtzweil
Lig: Various Rovners
Barrel/Bell: Backun
Reeds: Legere 3.75
OKC Symphonic Band (just started this summer)
*playing 22 years (with a 5 year hiatus) and counting*

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