Sometimes...

ice can be your best friend. When you're walking in the Iowa Winter and it's been raining/sleeting all day, and the roads are covered, not so much. But when you've played entirely too much in one day, ice is amazing.

I find that I have fewer academic obligations this semester, which leaves more time for practice. (Hooray!) Unfortunately, this means that most of my schedule is made up of ensembles. Sometimes, playing beyond your means isn't all that avoidable, especially in an academic situation. You're obligated to be there, be prepared, and play to the best of your abilities whether your face is tired or not.

What's a player to do? Take it easy in rehearsal if at all possible. If it's too high and a thick texture, take it down the octave. If there's a big unison, blow-your-brains-out part, sit it out. Most importantly, when you get home, if you've overplayed and are feeling fatigued, then ice your face. If you have jaw troubles, alternating with a heating pad may help that as well. Ibuprofen is not only a pain killer, but helps with swelling as well, so for major face beating, you may consider it too. I've also heard that some professionals use Preparation H to reduce swelling, though I've never personally tried it.

Last night after my many hours of rehearsals I neglected to take my own advice. I was so happy to be home and focused on what to do tomorrow that I forgot to take care of myself. I was rewarded with quite a fat lip this morning. The muscles in your face react just like any other muscles, and overuse tends to lead to swelling and tenderness. It's much better to preempt a sore face by icing it when you get home, than to wait until it's two or three times its normal size the next morning.