Voice Therapy

Voice disorders can refer to changes in vocal quality, pitch, or loudness that are inappropriate for a person’s age, gender identity, or cultural/geographic factors. Changes in voice can be categorized into organic or functional disorders. Organic voice disorders refer to changes in the physical structure of the larynx (voice box) or neurological causes. Functional voice disorders refer to subjective and/or objective changes in the voice in the absence of any apparent structural abnormality. Changes in voice can also result from the normal aging process (presbyphonia) or as the result of a neurological condition such as Parkinson’s disease.

A voice evaluation is recommended if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.

 

  • Persistent hoarseness for a period greater than one week

  • Sensation of pain or tightness when losing your voice

  • Frequent laryngitis

  • Increased vocal effort and fatigue

  • Changes in voice volume or pitch

  • Frequent coughing or throat clearing

  • Not enough breath support when talking or singing

  • Variable vocal quality

  • Perception of breathiness, hoarseness, roughness, or strain

  • A voice inconsistent with one’s gender identity

  • Voice tremors

  • Chronic cough

How We Can Help

Comprehensive voice evaluation: A comprehensive voice evaluation consists of a thorough case history, patient-reported outcome measures, assessment of respiration, structural, sensory, and motoric function, auditory-perceptual and acoustic analysis, and instrumental assessment. Most often, except in the case of gender-affirming voice therapy, an evaluation by a laryngologist or an ENT will be warranted to rule out any medical causes. An evaluation may also consist of diagnostic treatment to identify potential treatment approaches to improve voice function.

Treatment: Treatment can consist of both direct and indirect approaches. Direct approaches can include exercises to manipulate the voice mechanism, establish healthy voicing, and modify vocal behaviors. Indirect approaches can include education on strategies to maintain healthy voicing and compensatory strategies. Interdisciplinary communication with other professionals such as laryngologists, physical therapists, massage therapists, and mental health professionals may be appropriate to maximize overall treatment outcomes.

Certifications & Training

 

Phonatory Resistance Training Exercises (PhoRTE)

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

 

Manual Therapy for Voice & Swallowing

Manual therapy, also referred to as Myofascial release (MFR) is a form of manual therapy focusing on the incorporation of gentle and sustained pressure to increase range of motion and reduce pain. Though commonly used by physical therapists, MFR has applications for persons receiving speech, voice, or dysphagia therapy. This is a person-centered approach which emphasizes feedback and direction from the client. In voice therapy, this approach is most beneficial for those with excess muscle tension.

 

Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST)

RMST, or respiratory muscle strength training, is a treatment modality becoming widely used in the field of speech-language pathology for patients with impairments in speech, voice, ventilation, cough, and swallowing. RMST involves using resistance or pressure threshold devices to strengthen either the muscles of inspiration (breathing in) or expiration (breathing out). In voice therapy, RMST is useful to increase respiratory support for voicing.