Problems with your voice?
There is a long history of treating vocal problems with manual therapy. Recently there has been a surge in the number of qualified practitioners which has enabled voice users suffering from tension issues to get effective treatment.
MUSCLE TENSION DYSPHONIA - WHAT IS IT?
Muscular tension around the vocal mechanism (in the neck muscles and the smaller internal muscles) can cause the voice to stop working properly. When this tension affects the voice (dysphonia) it is termed functional or muscle tension dysphonia (MTD for short). MTD can cause a range of symptoms including:
If you notice a change in your voice which lasts for more than two weeks, you should see a GP and ask to be referred to a voice specialist ENT. You may need to have an endoscopic evaluation of your throat and vocal cords to rule out any pathology. I can recommend an ENT to whom you can be referred.
If you wish to get help sooner, you can receive diagnosis and treatment privately by contacting the Voice Care Centre, a multidisciplinary team of voice specialists based in and around London.
HOW IS MTD TREATED?
In the absence of any other pathology, good results have been shown from direct manual therapy work on the muscles of the vocal mechanism. Further work to correct any postural imbalances, bad vocal habits or psychological issues can be helpful and may take the form of osteopathic manipulation, lifestyle advice, vocal coaching and discussions around psychological wellbeing.
WHERE CAN YOU GET TREATMENT?
I am a qualified osteopath and vocal massage therapist. You can book in to see me in Egham on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or in London at the Voice Care Centre on Monday afternoons. Use the links below for more information:
EGHAM: https://stillhouseclinic.co.uk/book-online/
LONDON: https://voicecarecentre.co.uk/
MUSCLE TENSION DYSPHONIA - WHAT IS IT?
Muscular tension around the vocal mechanism (in the neck muscles and the smaller internal muscles) can cause the voice to stop working properly. When this tension affects the voice (dysphonia) it is termed functional or muscle tension dysphonia (MTD for short). MTD can cause a range of symptoms including:
- Vocal fatigue after a session of singing or at the end of the day (singers, actors, teachers, phone users, salespeople)
- Loss of vocal range or a change in the quality of the speaking/singing voice
- Hoarseness
- A feeling of a lump in the throat when swallowing
- Neck and shoulder tension and discomfort
- Pain when speaking or singing
If you notice a change in your voice which lasts for more than two weeks, you should see a GP and ask to be referred to a voice specialist ENT. You may need to have an endoscopic evaluation of your throat and vocal cords to rule out any pathology. I can recommend an ENT to whom you can be referred.
If you wish to get help sooner, you can receive diagnosis and treatment privately by contacting the Voice Care Centre, a multidisciplinary team of voice specialists based in and around London.
HOW IS MTD TREATED?
In the absence of any other pathology, good results have been shown from direct manual therapy work on the muscles of the vocal mechanism. Further work to correct any postural imbalances, bad vocal habits or psychological issues can be helpful and may take the form of osteopathic manipulation, lifestyle advice, vocal coaching and discussions around psychological wellbeing.
WHERE CAN YOU GET TREATMENT?
I am a qualified osteopath and vocal massage therapist. You can book in to see me in Egham on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or in London at the Voice Care Centre on Monday afternoons. Use the links below for more information:
EGHAM: https://stillhouseclinic.co.uk/book-online/
LONDON: https://voicecarecentre.co.uk/