Vocal Massage is the application of laryngeal manipulation, specific massage, myofascial and stretching techniques to the muscles of the face, jaw, throat, neck, shoulders, thorax and abdomen, as well as other muscles indirectly related to voice production and breathing. Essentially it's the vocal equivalent of sports therapy for athletes.

Charles is also qualified in medical acupuncture, which can be used as an additional intervention on a person-by-person basis, as part of the treatment. 

Laryngeal Manual Therapy and Vocal Massage is very effective in: 

• Maintaining good form and condition of muscles related to voice production

• Relieving symptoms of tension and stress from areas associated with voice production/mastication

• Re-establishing a ‘neutral’ position of the larynx and jaw

• Helps with loss of range and/or transitions between vocal registers 

• Improving breath support, swallowing and vocalisation

• Relieving symptoms associated to stress, anxiety and vocal fatigue

• Improving and maintaining a better posture

• Treating conditions relating to the larynx, jaw and breathing mechanisms

• Physically supports the work of vocal coaching, vocal rehab and speech therapy

Although its predominant use is for people who use their voice, sometimes to excess, in a professional or amateur capacity (for instance singers, speakers, presenters, trainers, teachers, sales people and actors), this type of therapy is also very effective in relieving and reducing the symptoms of other conditions including;

•  'Bruxism' (teeth grinding)

•  Globus (a sense of a lump in the throat) and swallowing disorders

•  MTD (muscle tension dysphonia/dystonia)

•  Stress and anxiety

•. Respiratory conditions 

It is also used with great success to support speech therapy and vocal rehabilitation for a variety of vocal pathologies.

The application of Laryngeal Manipulation can be uncomfortable (NEVER PAINFUL) for some patients, especially for the first few treatments whilst you become accustomed to it. The larynx is an area of the body that is rarely touched (even by yourself), and for voice users is a very precious and guarded part of the body. Therefore, it can be a very strange and occasionally an overwhelming experience for some patients. 

The initial session will last approximately 1 hour and will include a mandatory consultation to ensure that we address your issues fully, that we are working safely and in your best interests. The treatments are always discussed with you before any type of therapy is applied and you're happy with the approach. Treatments can at times be uncomfortable during and afterwards, but Charles will communicate regularly throughout to ensure that he is working within your limits, and inform you of what to expect following a treatment. However, the effects are always subjective and depend largely on the issue being addressed.

Your treatment will be tailored to your specific needs and comfort level. If it is identified that this therapy is not appropriate or most beneficial to your needs or the issue in question, Charles will happily refer you to the right person or suggest the most appropriate treatment to pursue.