Throat Tension when playing

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Gameboy64
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Jan 30, 2024 1:53 pm

Throat Tension when playing

Post by Gameboy64 »

Hey all,

About a month ago, I started to encounter lots of tension in my throat while playing. More specifically, the tightness is just under my Adam’s Apple, where it feels like something is stuck in my throat. This has progressively gotten worse, to the point where I need to stop playing because it feels so tight. This is especially true when I playing in the upper registers - my throat begins to feel closed off and choking up. I’ve tried a ton of exercises (breathing tubes, relaxation breaths, etc) much to no prevail.

Has anyone experienced this, or have an idea what might be causing this? I’m very curious about why it suddenly occurred, as I haven’t made any breaks, equipment changes, or other factors. Thanks.
BrassSection
Posts: 394
Joined: Wed May 11, 2022 3:22 pm

Re: Throat Tension when playing

Post by BrassSection »

Certain allergies can cause throat restrictions. If not playing related, maybe you should consult with an ear, nose, throat specialist.
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Doug Elliott
Posts: 3989
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:12 pm

Re: Throat Tension when playing

Post by Doug Elliott »

That problem is because you're NOT doing something else you should be doing. You're trying to fix it in exactly the opposite way you should. Trying to open up more when things are already too open, and your body responds by closing off in an attempt to provide some resistance.
Learn to use your tongue position /mouth cavity to help support the pitch. You're working much too hard because you're not doing that. It's a lot like whisling, and I bet you can't whistle because you never figured out that relationship either.
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Bach5G
Posts: 2706
Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:10 pm

Re: Throat Tension when playing

Post by Bach5G »

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