What is Laryngeal Manual Therapy?
Laryngeal (& Vocal) manual therapy identifies and treats any areas of restriction affecting vocal performance. The massage works to address the areas of concern and are corrected in a safe and supportive way. Excessive muscle tension in any part of the vocal mechanism can result in hoarseness, throat pain/discomfort, and lack of vocal projection. By promoting relaxation, reducing tension, and improving muscle function, laryngeal massage can help you to sing or speak with greater ease and confidence.
What is being released?
Laryngeal and Vocal Therapy releases muscle tension related to voice production, neck, jaw, tongue, larynx and diaphragm which helps the vocal cords produce a better resonance and articulation sound. This can treat partial or total voice loss, loss of vocal range, muscle tension dysphonia, decreased vocal stamina and vocal fatigue increased recovery time after performing.
What are the benefits for Speakers?
- Help to alleviate this tension and fatigue, promoting relaxation in the muscles of the larynx and reducing stress on the vocal cords.
- It can help to improve the function of the muscles responsible for projection and volume, allowing speakers to speak more clearly and with greater impact.
- Improve the clarity and articulation of speech by promoting relaxation in the muscles of the larynx.
What are the benefits for Singers?
- It can help to reduce tension in the muscles of the larynx, which can help to alleviate vocal strain and fatique. This can enable singers to perform for longer periods of time without experiencing discomfort or strain.
- It can help to improve the function of the muscles responsible for breath control, enabling singers to take deeper breaths and maintain better control over their breath support.
- It can help to improve the overall quality and tone of a singer’s voice by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in these muscles.
What happens during the session?
In a laryngeal massage session, you can expect a series of gentle techniques designed to relax and release tension in the muscles surrounding the larynx (voice box). Here’s what you might typically experience:
- Assessment: The therapist may begin by discussing your vocal concerns and vocal function to determine areas of tension or discomfort.
- Warm-Up: Before directly working on the larynx, the therapist may perform some gentle warm-up techniques to prepare the muscles and tissues for manipulation.
- External Massage: The therapist may start with external massage techniques around the neck, throat, and jaw to release tension in the surrounding muscles.
- Internal Massage: Depending on your specific needs, with consent, the therapist may gently manipulate the muscles within the oral cavity and around the larynx itself, using techniques such as myofascial release or intraoral massage. Latex gloves and a non-woven cloth will be used for this.
- Education and Self-Care: Throughout the session, the therapist may provide education on breathing exercises, vocal health, and self-care practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine to maintain vocal well-being.
- Follow-Up Plan: Finally, the therapist may discuss a follow-up plan with you, which could include recommendations for additional sessions, exercises to practice at home, or referrals to other healthcare professionals if necessary.
Overall, a laryngeal massage session should be tailored to your individual needs and conducted in a safe and comfortable environment, with a focus on promoting relaxation, relieving tension, and optimizing vocal function.