There are a few types of hands-on work that voice SLPs have traditionally used, including circumlaryngeal massage + digital manipulation. These target the laryngeal area to reduce tension, and use movement to manipulate the areas. ⠀ ⠀ A slightly different approach...⠀ ⠀ I first learned about @waltfritzpt manual therapy style, Foundations in Myofascial Release (now Manual Therapy) at his course in November 2016. This past summer I had the privilege to assist at the same course at @nazarethcollege. ⠀ ⠀ Walt’s style has evolved from a fascia-based approach, to a more neuroscience-based approach to manual therapy. It is different from massage in that it utilizes slow or static pressures/stretches.⠀ ⠀ What I like about this style of work is that it is patient-centered. We engage in constant communication with our client to determine the relevance of treatment, and to ensure their comfort and safety. We also address all the parts of the body that may be contributing to the issue, including lower thoracic/diaphragm, cervical neck, hyoid, larynx, lingual/sublingual area, face, + jaw. ⠀ ⠀ I’ve found this type of manual treatment to be very helpful in folks with muscle tension-related dysphonia, especially my occupational voice users and singers. 🎤 ⠀ ⠀ Do you experience tension or fatigue when using your voice? Perhaps you could benefit from some manual therapy. 🖐🏻 ❤️

Ohh nothing, just casually embracing sheet music after channeling my inner Jessie Mueller/Sara Bareilles this morning. ⠀ ⠀ Lesson focused on rib cage expansion, relaxed/lowered jaw, neutral larynx position, and grounding techniques. ⠀ ⠀ What are you working on these days? 🎙❤️🎶⠀ ⠀ #voice #voicelessons #vocology #voiceslp #speechpathology #musicaltheater #waitressthemusical

Spoiler alert! Succulents are cute and all, but you my friend, are a human.⠀ ⠀ Regardless of not loving water, or claiming to not have time for bathroom breaks at work, our bodies and our vocal tissues NEED adequate hydration to function well + to prevent vocal injury. ⠀ ⠀ There are no set guidelines as it depends on your size and many other factors, but generally we recommend consuming about 2-3 liters of water per day (or 64oz, or 8-8oz glasses, etc.) ⠀ ⠀ I often tell clients to aim to drink half their body weight in ounces. And, best to sip throughout the day rather than chug a whole bottle at one time for better absorption in the body. There are plenty of hydration apps available to remind you throughout the day. ⠀ ⠀ It doesn’t have to be plain water, just as long as we’re talking non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages. Drink up! 🎙