Voice Massage

We use our voice daily without considering how sound is produced. The process involves multiple muscles and, like any other muscle, can become sore and overused. The muscles responsible for voice production are located in the chest, neck, face and head, including the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, neck, tongue, jaw and larynx. Vocal massage releases these muscles and helps the vocal cords produce better resonance. It facilitates all muscle groups related to breathing and voice production through classical massage strokes. The aim is to relieve tension in these muscles to restore proper posture, flexibility, particularly in the rib cage and diaphragm, and overall relaxation. Breathing exercises and stretching may be used in conjunction with laryngeal massage. This tension release in body and mind is essential for balanced voice production.

Voice Massage Therapy is a vocal and laryngeal massage technique developed by Finnish massage therapist Leena Koskinen in collaboration with medical and voice specialists. It has been in use in Finland since the 1980s. I trained with Leena Koskinen in 1998 and am the only therapist qualified in this form of Voice Massage in the UK.

Voice Massage addresses vocal performance by identifying and treating areas of vocal restriction safely and supportively. Muscle tension on the vocal mechanism can cause hoarseness, throat pain and reduced vocal projection. Laryngeal massage helps relax the muscles involved in voice production and improves their function making speaking and singing easier after treatment.

Voice massage technique is used to release tension in the muscles directly or indirectly related to voice production. Good breathing function is vital for a healthy voice and therefore a key component of voice massage treatment is to activate the correct muscle function for breathing and then release tension around the larynx and jaw area. This tension is often caused by poor or shallow breathing patterns. The respiratory muscles larynx and masticators as well as the tongue are all part of the voice massage treatment.

What are the benefits of Voice Massage for Speakers and Singers

Vocal and laryngeal massage is beneficial for speakers as it alleviates tension and fatigue promotes relaxation in the laryngeal muscles and reduces stress on the vocal cords. Voice massage improves the function of the muscles responsible for projection and volume allowing clearer and more impactful speech. It also enhances speech clarity and articulation by relaxing the laryngeal muscles.

For Singers Voice massage reduces tension in the larynx area, alleviating vocal strain and fatigue and enabling performances without discomfort or tension. It enhances the function of the muscles responsible for breath control allowing deeper breaths and improved breath support. Furthermore, it improves the overall quality and tone of a singer’s voice by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in these muscles.

Voice Massage Therapy is an appropriate therapy for the following:

• To prevent malfunction in muscles to do with voice production in people who use their voices professionally e.g. singers, actors and teachers

• To support reflux treatment by releasing tension in external throat muscles and the diaphragm.

• To release tension and pain in the jaw and tongue root

• To increase the efficiency of breathing both generally and specifically e.g. asthmatic

• Muscle Tension Dysphonia

• Vocal Fatigue

• Loss of vocal range

• Vocal stamina loss

• Aphonia (partial or total voice loss)

• Glubus Pharyngeus (sensation of having a lump in throat throat)

• Dysphagis (difficulty swallowing)

• To support voice production and speech and voice therapy

• To aid methods of general relaxation

One session lasts 60 minutes and usually 1 - 5 sessions are needed. However, in some cases of very established voice and breathing problems or exhaustion, more sessions are needed.

Voice Massage is performed only by trained Voice Massage Therapists. It is not speech therapy or an alternative therapy nor is it invasive. No equipment or heat treatment is used.