THE WHAT?

SELF-MASSAGE TO VOCAL FREEDOM

In this video, let me answer the question – what is this training all about? I have been working as a speech-
language pathologist for 20 years and I worked with people from all walks of life. I dealt with all kinds of speech,
language and voice disorders and I learned very early on that different approaches work for different people. This
training considers several alternative therapy methods, which have transpired to the field of speech-language
pathology. But when I say alternative, I do not mean experimental. All of the techniques introduced in this training
are supported by research. This training draws from approaches such as massage therapy, trigger point manual
treatment, muscle activation therapy, myofascial release techniques and approaches using vibrations.
 
Massage therapy is one of the most widely used alternative therapies. Research tells us that the main benefits of
classical massage are reduction of muscle tension and pain and the results tend to be long-lasting and they even
translate into a psychological domain. There are even some studies showing the benefits of massage therapy for
cancer patients as it reduces their anxiety and stress levels, as well as pain. And massage is being used on
infants, children and adults with the same results. A very specific type of massage, called circumlaryngeal
massage has been thoroughly studied in the last 30 years and the benefits are unequivocal for voice users:
reduced tension in the laryngeal muscles and a lowered and more relaxed laryngeal position.
 
Trigger point manual treatment has been also shown to have benefits. A study, in which 30 healthy subjects had
trigger point therapies applied to their head, neck and shoulder areas, showed a significant decrease in heart rate,
systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and additionally, both muscle tension and emotional state, showed
significant improvement. Other studies point to decreased pressure-pain thresholds, and decreased frequency of
headaches.
 
Myofascial release techniques are commonly used to treat muscle pain, for example back pain. Studies support
the efficacy of this approach for reducing tension headaches, pain from the TMJ disorder and improved range of
motion. Myofascial release was also studied in relation to voice and voice disorders and it was shown to have
benefits, especially when combined with voice therapy.
 
Muscle activation therapy is a relatively new approach and therefore, there are no scientific efficacy studies.
However, the immediate results are very promising.
 
Finally, the use of vibrations in releasing muscle tension has been used more and more among voice users. There
are studies showing reduced pain, muscle soreness and tightness after strenuous muscle training. Vibration
massage has been also deemed beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia as it improved their symptoms and
quality of life. Vibration massage was also shown to significantly improve voice quality in hyperfunctional
occupational dysphonias.
 
 THE WHAT?
SELF-MASSAGE TO VOCAL FREEDOM

However, it is important to realize that manual therapies are NOT a magical “cure it all approach”. They are not
stand-alone techniques. They should be a part of a more comprehensive plan, which includes overall good
vocal hygiene, healthy vocal technique, solid breath work, and others. If you have been suffering from serious
vocal problems, the comprehensive approach may need to include medical approaches (e.g. medication, surgery)
and traditional voice therapy under the direct supervision of a trained speech-language pathologist. So, be honest
with yourself, vocal massage alone will not cure your chronic voice problems.

And here is an important note: if you have been experiencing vocal issues of any kind for more than two weeks
without the presence of acute infection, such as common cold or flue, it is time to speak to your doctor and see a
specialist.

Each video in this training will give you basic information about the anatomy of the area you are going to
massage. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these anatomical structures so that you can massage
them in a safe way. You will learn several different strokes and pressure applications to these areas, as well as
the placement of a massager or vibrator to decrease muscle tension in a safe and effective way.

And that is all for this video. If you have any questions, please post them in the comments below. Thank you.