Facial Tension

FocalTone · New Member Joined: 31 Mar 2018 Posts: 2

Hi everyone,

I've been having some issues with weird facial tension for quite some time and I'm curious to know if anyone has any experience with this type of issue:

For almost 4 years now, I've noticed that the left side of my chops are not as strong as my right. At first it didn't bug me too bad but over time it's really had a negative impact on my playing and general well-being. The two main symptoms when I play are leaky air through the left side of my chops, and feelings of discomfort and imbalance. This discomfort feels like an upwards pulling sensation up in the crevice of my left nostril, and a gripping sensation around my eye, from the brow to the temple. Although I don't experience any real feelings pain with this discomfort, it has become a road block and deterrent for practicing. I've tried to aid it by playing in front of a mirror to check for evenness and centeredness, but it did not make the sensations disappear. I've also tried applying ice packs after practice and giving myself facial massages. They offer a bit of relief in the short term but nothing beyond that.

This issue has bled over into other areas of life as well. The tension makes smiling more difficult, which in turn has made me super self-conscious of my facial expressions in general; it's really aggravating in social/networking situations because I feel like I'm not able to express myself without always questioning how my face looks!

I just took a two week break from daily practice and didn't notice these feelings as much. Unfortunately I can't just keep putting practicing off altogether and I am desperate to find a long term solution before I go nuts.

I've told my teacher about this problem but didn't receive any definitive help. PLEASE, if you have any ideas, suggestions, experiences, or advice to share, I'm all ears! Thanks for sticking with me through this long post, I hope to hear from ya'll out there!

brassmusician · Veteran Member Joined: 25 Feb 2016 Posts: 273

I voted different experience, mostly tension in jaw from time to time which affects my playing but probably isn't caused by it, life stress I think.

To me your symptoms sound like it would be worth consulting your doctor if you haven't already. If he can't help and it is all playing related, I recommend visiting a chop doc like Pops or Jeanne Pocius-Dorismond personally or by skype.
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CJceltics33 · Veteran Member Joined: 24 Aug 2017 Posts: 475

Hi, I have not have a similar experience but I’d like to contribute some ideas.

Practice some basic stuff for 20m or so with the mouthpiece on the left side of your lips. Far left. Only once a week or every other week...but this could seriously build up some strength.

The PETE or pencil exercise on the left side of your face. Once the problem goes away then do it on both sides.

If it’s a problem of strength then this should help. Best of luck to you!

FocalTone · New Member Joined: 31 Mar 2018 Posts: 2

Thank you guys! I'll definitely take all that into account, I was looking into the pencil exercise too CJ, sounds like a good idea.

Billy B · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 8:39 am Post subject:

Andy Del · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 12:33 pm Post subject:

I'm not a doctor. Far from it, I'm the patient!

So take this is the salt it deserves, BUT...

I strongly feel you must go to see your GP. Tell him all these symptoms, have your trumpet handy and SHOW him/her. I would be wanting a referral to the very best ENT you can get to, so they can investigate your sinuses. At the same time, if you haven't been seeing a dentist regularly (who want to play on no teeth?) then you should very definitely GO.

Between the two of them, you should find some information regarding your sinuses, soft pallatte (sp?), and the signs and symptoms you describe.

It's Easter Monday, so no rush. Go on Tuesday. As in tomorrow.

cheers

Andy
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