Grin Again - Therapeutic Embouchure Trainer
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The Grin Again is a unique tool used to perform isometric exercises that can help regain strength and control of the embouchure. It comes with a lanyard for carrying and ease of accessibility.
The Grin Again provides Efficient and Effective Embouchure Conditioning For:
Any Brass Instrument Player! Any Woodwind Instrument Player! Anyone with lips!
The Grin Again was designed in 2012 as a therapeutic device. It modifies the basic idea of the P.E.T.E. to be accessible to anyone who has a suffered from a stroke, Bell's Palsy, Ramsey Hunt disease, or any other ailment or injury causing loss of strength or function in the face. The larger disc, and bulb-shaped end is easier to hold for anyone with a loss of grip strength both in the embouchure and the hands. Using the same technique in P.E.T.E. Exercise number 1, the Grin Again provides a gentle exercise to help activate and bring blood flow to the facial muscles. Over the years, we have shared the Grin Again with players and physicians, and physical therapists alike. PAMA 26 was the perfect opportunity to spread the word to medical professionals who are specifically working with patients who are musicians!
FAQ
What time of day should I use the Grin Again?
Time of day to use the Grin Again will depend on your individual schedule. There are several things to consider:
- Your muscles need time to recover from the exercise in order to gain strength and endurance from the conditioning process. Many find using the Grin Again right before bed gives time to recover overnight.
- Allow time between using the Grin Again and practicing or performing your instrument. We recommend a minimum of 2 hours for most players.
- Consult with your physical therapist if possible: Best results will come from establishing and following a regular exercise routine.
Just as with any other therapy exercise, your embouchure muscles need time to recover after exercising to ensure that the muscles are ready for practice or a performance. Please consult your doctor if you are working to recover from an injury or illness.
How long should each exercise session last, and how aggressively can I use it?
Grin Again users should limit the length of time for the exercises (described in the instructions) to 2 or 3 repetitions of each exercise lasting somewhere between 15 seconds and 45 seconds each. This may not sound like much of a workout to begin with - however many new users users will immediately feel the muscles working. Start slow, and consult with your doctor if using the Grin Again after injury or illness.
In the instructions we describe the exercise as a "tug of war" between using your embouchure muscles to hold the disc in place while pulling it in the opposite direction. The harder you try to hold it in place, the harder you can try to pull. Start out gently with this - such that you are starting to feel the muscles get tired and lose grip on the Grin Again after 15 to 30 seconds. Then stop, rest, and allow the recovery and conditioning process to take place.
The keys to success using the Grin Again are simple:- Pace yourself - You can't get 6 weeks worth of results from 6 days of training - however it is likely that you will notice improvements within the first few weeks of use.
- If it feels like you're overdoing it, then you need to back off a little and let the rebuilding and conditioning process happen through rest.
- Stick with it. Each person is different, and will have a different timeline of results.
"Placing the disk behind the lips and pulling the exerciser forward prompts an isometric response from the muscles of the lips, preparing them for the forces encountered in brass playing"
"The Grin Again directly targets the exact muscles that tire toward the end of a performance. These are the muscles which prevent the lips from falling into the cup, blowing apart, and losing the buzz."
