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I am a retired Music Educator. I have been the top euphonium professional in my area since moving here in 1975. After the COVID break last year, I returned to playing in several ensembles only to find that my tone, accuracy and flexibility are a fraction of what they used to be. The area around my embouchure has lost sensitivity and my facial muscles feel stiff. After playing seriously since last fall I have only seen a small improvement.
Has anyone here experienced anything similar?

I am a diabetic which makes me suspect nerve damage. I also had a minor stroke last year but have had no noticeable deficits other than the playing difficulties noted.

I would appreciate it if anyone with a similar experience would weigh in.

As you know well, diabetes can cause nerve damage so that is a strong possibility. And the stroke too.

My specialty is fixing all sorts of embouchure problems, and I have successfully worked with a trombonist with very similar issues except it was from electrocution.

I do my teaching by Skype or Zoom.

That would fantastic!

This sounds like nerve damage. Nerves can repair themselves. Try lots of low slurring. Try low lip buzzing as you do your daily walk - whatever. Work on your breathing. Perhaps change down for a while to a tuba and move back as your hopefully improve. Good luck.

Thanks, I am doing Teele pedal studies and Vining Flow Studies, only the slow-moving ones in the mid & low registers.