[Trombone-l] Bell's Palsy

[Alisha Ard]

I came down with Bell's the first week in January, and was able to start playing again by the middle of February (approximately 6 weeks.)  The treatments I tried were antibiotics (I had been under the weather for about three weeks before the Bell's hit, and I had a tonsil infection that was pretty obviously bacterial by that time), anti-virals, steroids (prednisone), and acupuncture.  And lots of rest.  

As far as the recovery goes with the trombone, I just started playing as soon as I physically could, buzzing on the mouthpiece when trying to play was too discouraging, etc.  I'm still working with a mirror trying to make sure I have a balance in the muscles now that the right side is working again because there was definitely some atrophy that I haven't quite remedied yet.  My aperture has shifted to one side and I'm trying to get it centered again.  By now I have recovered my full range, but not the endurance, and I still leak a little air on that side now and then.  

I definitely wouldn't wait - get playing as soon as you can.  The longer you just wait, the longer those muscles have to weaken even more, giving you more work to do later.

But what's the deal with Bell's palsy anyway?  I seem to be hearing of so many cases lately!  Is it somehow connected to Teflon?  or fast food?  

Alisha