Spasmodic Dysphonia Bulletin Board

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Posted by: dreambead ®
07/21/2009, 15:29:20
Hi All - I am new to this - was diagnosed in December 2008. I'm looking for information on laryngeal massage. Does anyone know where I can find the technique? I find massage very helpful and would like to learn more techniques. I've had one botox injection and did not like it although it was somewhat helpful. I was not able to drink liquids for weeks afterwards - yikes! Does anyone have other techniques that have been useful? Thanks!
Carol



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Re: Newbie
Re: Newbie -- dreambead Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Mary Bifaro ®
07/21/2009, 18:39:13
Dear Carol:

I'm copying some information on laryngeal massage below. It was taken from voiceproblem.org. It is from the section on "voice therapy regimens". I was introduced to laryngeal massage during voice therapy sessions. Good luck to you.

Mary Bifaro
Abductor SD since 1987
Charlotte, NC

"Circumlaryngeal Massage
In brief: Circumlaryngeal massage is a "hands-on" approach in which patients are trained to massage their neck area while observing different changes in their voice quality.

Intended endpoint: The purpose of this technique is to eliminate pain while speaking, relax muscles in the laryngeal area, and reduce tension in the upper body – all helping to decrease pain and allowing the larynx to relax into a more comfortable position.

Application group: This technique is used in patients who report neck tension, upper body tension, stiffness, or tenderness along with vocal symptoms. It is also used for muscle tension dysphonia (functional dysphonia) and in symptomatic patients who sit or stand with rigid postures, regardless of whether any tightness or pain is present in the neck.

Key Information
No patient should attempt to perform circumlaryngeal massage without first being educated on the technique by a voice therapist. It is only after this type of training that patients will know the proper location at which to begin the massage (the hyoid bone – located right above the Adam's Apple) and which muscles to focus on."





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Re: Newbie
Re: Re: Newbie -- Mary Bifaro Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Irish ®
07/27/2009, 01:12:40
Hi Carol,
Having SD is a double edged sword because you will automatically try to compensate for your "new" voice. In doing so you cause tension in your vocal cords, so massage is helpful in relaxing the knotted muscles and in stretching the vocal cords. I am learning how to do that myself at USC.

Irish




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