Vocal Physiotherapy
Vocal physiotherapy is a highly specialized area of physiotherapy for professional voice users such as actors, singers, teachers and presenters.
Vocal Physiotherapy
What is it?
Physiotherapy for the voice or laryngeal manual therapy is a non-invasive treatment targeted at addressing the muscular tension that may affect one’s ability to vocalize/phonate.
This highly specialized form of manual therapy involves manipulating the larynx and surrounding soft tissue or musculature that control the movement of the larynx.
The larynx is held in place by muscles that are influenced by factors such as vocal workload, specific voice qualities, support patterns, and posture. These factors can cause increased muscle tension, resulting in limited vocal fold movement and various symptoms, including reduced vocal range, breathy vocal tone, constriction during voicing, and vocal fatigue.
Laryngeal manual therapy targets restrictions and their causes, tailored to individual vocal needs. It includes soft tissue release and passive stretches to improve vocal fold mobility, along with assessments of jaw symmetry, support patterns, and posture. Sometimes, real-time ultrasound of abdominal muscles is used to ensure proper support during vocalization. Correcting issues ensures safe, consistent subglottic pressure, promoting healthy, sustainable voicing.
Conditions we treat
Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Pre nodular oedema
Vocal fatigue
Globus pharyngeus
Symptoms that benefit from this treatment
Vocal fatigue
Loss of resonance
Changes in voice quality
Constriction whilst voicing
Loss of range
Neck / jaw tension
Muscular pain in extrinsic muscles
Effortful / difficulty swallowing
Sensation of lump in throat when swallowing
FAQ
Who is this treatment meant for?
This treatment is beneficial for any professional voice user – singers, actors, voice actors, musical theater artists, presenters, emcees, teachers.
How may I seek this treatment?
You may be self-referred or, you may be referred by your ENT doctor, Speech therapist, vocal coach or singing teacher.
When may I seek this treatment?
Vocal Physiotherapy can be done when experiencing any of the symptoms outlined above, or for maintenance during busy show periods. It can also be done for performance enhancement when preparing for auditions or shows.
Is this the same as speech therapy or vocal coaching?
This is not the same as speech therapy or vocal coaching. We liaise/ work WITH speech therapists and vocal coaches. Vocal physiotherapy involves manual therapy to address the muscular restriction with a hands-on approach. It aims at addressing the physical restrictions to efficient vocal functioning.
How long are the sessions?
Initial consultation is typically 45 minutes and follow-ups are 45-30 mins. Extended sessions of 60 minutes are also available for booking as required. Our physiotherapist will be able to advice you on the duration of the session needed.