We use the approach developed by Stephen King and his team at the Voice Care Centre in London. This is an evidence-based approach evolving from the research literature in the field of voice. Members of the team have even treated each other with a laryngoscope in place (a fibre-optic camera in the larynx), which shows how the fascia and muscles respond to the massage techniques. The effects can be much further reaching than you may imagine! For example, one muscle in the pharynx (throat), the superior constrictor, is attached to another muscle in your cheek, the buccinator, via a fascial band. Just stretching the cheek can therefore sometimes resolve swallowing difficulties resulting from muscle tension.
Vocal massage therapy works best when the interacting biological, psychological and social factors affecting a person’s vocal health are considered. For pathological voice conditions, vocal massage therapy has been found to be most effective in conjunction with vocal rehabilitation coaching or speech and language therapy. Again, this is akin to an athlete working with both a sports massage therapist and a coach or personal trainer, to get the most out of their body.