Voice Physiotherapy: A Preliminary Analysis of the Characteristics and Impact of a Clinical Service
Kristina Saul
Authors List
Introduction
Voice physiotherapy has the potential to benefit a wide range of people with voice problems, in conjunction with existing services. Yet as a niche area, little is known about what a voice physiotherapy service might offer clients and other health professionals.
Aims
The purpose of this research is to explore the role and impact of voice physiotherapy in a clinical service.
Methods
The characteristics of clients presenting to voice physiotherapy were examined in a retrospective case note review for a calendar year, followed by interviews of clients exploring their experience of voice physiotherapy.
Results
Clinical data for 52 clients were extracted: Mean age 35 years, 71% female, 81% singers, and 38% with problems more than three months since onset. Presenting problems varied, including voice tension (80%), pain (33%), globus (10%), and jaw dysfunction (38%). Preliminary themes from client interviews (n=5) indicate that voice physiotherapy is viewed as complementary to existing medical and speech language therapy services, providing additional value to people with a range of vocal issues. Clients report more control of their problems through a better understanding of factors influencing their voice, hands-on treatment, and voice care strategies.
Conclusions
Voice physiotherapy is accessed by a range of clients, notably singers and those affected by problems related to voice tension. The non-invasive approach to voice care offered complements medical, speech language and other voice services, providing clients with more control over their presenting problems.
- Saul, K., Voice Physiotherapy New Zealand, Otago University, Christchurch New Zealand
- Kennedy, E., School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Introduction
Voice physiotherapy has the potential to benefit a wide range of people with voice problems, in conjunction with existing services. Yet as a niche area, little is known about what a voice physiotherapy service might offer clients and other health professionals.
Aims
The purpose of this research is to explore the role and impact of voice physiotherapy in a clinical service.
Methods
The characteristics of clients presenting to voice physiotherapy were examined in a retrospective case note review for a calendar year, followed by interviews of clients exploring their experience of voice physiotherapy.
Results
Clinical data for 52 clients were extracted: Mean age 35 years, 71% female, 81% singers, and 38% with problems more than three months since onset. Presenting problems varied, including voice tension (80%), pain (33%), globus (10%), and jaw dysfunction (38%). Preliminary themes from client interviews (n=5) indicate that voice physiotherapy is viewed as complementary to existing medical and speech language therapy services, providing additional value to people with a range of vocal issues. Clients report more control of their problems through a better understanding of factors influencing their voice, hands-on treatment, and voice care strategies.
Conclusions
Voice physiotherapy is accessed by a range of clients, notably singers and those affected by problems related to voice tension. The non-invasive approach to voice care offered complements medical, speech language and other voice services, providing clients with more control over their presenting problems.
