An occupational or professional voice user is anyone whose voice is essential to their job. We are all accustomed to thinking of singers, actors, and broadcast personalities as professional voice users, but this also applies to teachers, clergy, salespeople, courtroom attorneys, telemarketers, receptionists, and countless other professions that rely heavily on the voice.

Voice and resonance disorders can be a result of psychological, physical and/or physiological issues. Polyps, Vocal Nodules, granulomas, thyroidectomy, vocal overuse/abuse, Parkinson's Disease, Spasmodic Dysphonia, vocal performance, Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM), and head/neck cancers are among the issues that Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) address. 

Vocal problems can be functional, such as overuse, abuse, or misuse of the voice. They can be pathological/structural such as polyps, nodules or paralysis. They can also be caused by physiologic changes brought on by environmental exposure (allergies), alterations in hormones, or other systemic conditions that can adversely affect the voice such as acid reflux disease (GERD), acute infectious laryngitis, and benign vocal fold masses.

There are three main treatments used for vocal problems. Behavioral treatment refers to speaking and singing therapy.  Another option is medical treatment, which treats allergies, reflux, dryness, and things of that nature. Lastly, in some cases, surgical treatment may be an option. Your otolaryngologist can help decide which treatment option is right for you. The Voice Spot specialized in treating all kinds of voice concerns. Our professionally renowned vocal coach works complimentary to our licensed Speech Pathologists/Voice Clinicians. 

It is important to understand the distinction between voice lessons, vocal coaching, and voice therapy as they serve very different purposes and focus on distinct aspects of vocal development. When rehabilitating the voice following trauma or surgery, it is important to complete a course of Voice Therapy PRIOR to resuming voice coaching or voice lessons.

Here's a brief description of the differences between these three:

Voice Lessons:

• Purpose: Voice lessons primarily aim to teach individuals how to sing or use their voice effectively for musical or artistic purposes.
• Instructor's Role: A voice teacher or vocal instructor provides guidance on vocal techniques, breathing, pitch, tone, and overall singing performance.
• Focus: The focus of voice lessons is on developing musicality, expanding vocal range, and improving singing skills.
• Participants: Voice lessons are typically sought by singers, both beginners and experienced, who want to enhance their singing abilities.

Vocal Coaching:

• Purpose: Vocal coaching is geared towards helping individuals refine their singing or speaking skills for specific performances or projects.
• Instructor's Role: A vocal coach works closely with the individual on aspects such as interpretation, expression, style, and stage presence.
• Focus: The focus of vocal coaching is on preparing for auditions, recording sessions, stage performances, or specific vocal challenges.
• Participants: Singers, actors, or public speakers often seek vocal coaching to fine-tune their vocal delivery for specific events or roles.

Voice Therapy (only done with a Speech-Language Pathologist -SLP):

• Purpose: Voice therapy is a therapeutic process designed to address and treat voice-related disorders, injuries, or dysfunctions.
• Clinician's Role: A speech-language pathologist (SLP) or voice therapist assesses and diagnoses voice issues and develops a customized treatment plan.
• Focus: Voice therapy concentrates on rehabilitating or improving vocal health, treating conditions like vocal nodules, hoarseness, or voice fatigue.
• Participants: Individuals with voice problems, such as singers with vocal injuries, actors with voice strain, people experiencing voice disorders, people recovering from vocal surgery (such as vocal nodules), or people recovering from an Oral Surgery (such as Tongue Tie Surgery/Frenectomy) seek voice therapy to restore or enhance their vocal function.

While Voice Lessons focus on musical and singing skills, vocal coaching is geared toward performance and artistry, and voice therapy is a therapeutic intervention to address voice disorders and improve vocal health. Each serves a unique purpose and is led by professionals with specialized expertise. 

THE PROCESS:

Vocal surgery, although performed to alleviate specific issues, can cause significant stress and strain on the vocal folds, the voice box (larynx), the pharynx, and other associated muscles used for the purpose of singing. The trauma inflicted during surgery, coupled with the subsequent healing process, can result in a range of challenges for a singer, including diminished vocal strength, altered vocal timbre, reduced range, and even the risk of permanent damage to the overall vocal pedagogy. 

For singers who have undergone any form of vocal surgery, whether it be the removal of vocal nodules or an oral surgery such as a frenectomy to release a tongue tie, the journey to recovery can be a daunting one. These surgical procedures, while often necessary to address vocal issues or other oral concerns, can leave a singer's voice and vocal apparatus in a state of trauma. This is where the importance of Voice Therapy becomes absolutely imperative.

The Importance of seeking Voice Therapy from a Speech Pathologist prior to resuming voice lessons:

Before a singer can resume voice lessons after vocal trauma such as a vocal surgery, they must first go through the process of voice therapy, which can only be offered by a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). You would never allow your exercise trainer from the gym to provide rehabilitative exercises on your knee following a knee surgery. Similar to how one must seek Physical Therapy to rehabilitate a knee or a neck following a knee or neck surgery, so must a singer seek voice therapy to rehabilitate and prepare the voice for regular activities to avoid re-injury or permanent damage. It is important to find a skilled and experienced Licensed Speech Pathologist to work with.

During Voice Therapy, an SLP will focus on:

1. Recovery and Rehabilitation: Voice lessons and vocal coaching provide a controlled environment for singers to gradually redevelop their vocal abilities. Professionals in this field are trained to work closely with post-surgery patients, ensuring that vocal exercises are both safe and effective. The primary goal of these sessions is to rehabilitate the voice gently. Coaches and teachers design personalized programs that respect the healing process, gradually reintroducing vocal exercises to prevent further trauma.

2. Muscle Strengthening: These therapies focus on strengthening the muscles that surround the vocal folds, voice box, larynx, pharynx, and other related muscles. Strengthening these muscles is essential for restoring vocal power and control.

This process typically takes anywhere between 3-6 months to adequately and safely prepare you to resume regular singing, lessons and coaching. 

Once your SLP discharges you from Voice Therapy, vocal lessons/coaching can safely resume. 

Voice Lessons/Coaching will focus rebuilding your new voice with skills such as:

1. Breath Control

2. Pitch Control

3. Resonance Management

4. Articulation and Diction

5. Range Expansion

6. Technique Refinement

7. Avoiding Additional Trauma

8. Preventing Permanent Damage

9. Confidence and Performance

Many of our patients have noted improvements in their singing with Myofunctional Therapy & Voice Therapy post Frenectomy and/or Vocal Surgery. With around 25% of the population affected by a tongue restriction, there are many in the professional singing world who could benefit from releasing a restricted tongue and probably don’t realize it yet. 

If you are a singer or interested in improving your voice - contact me to set up a consultation.