The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) announced the first clinical practice guidelines for the condition of hoarseness. In the U.S. alone, some 20 million are affected.
Hoarseness is a symptom caused by a variety of factors that affect voice quality. Temporary hoarseness affects people with allergies or upper respiratory infections whose throat lining is either coated with mucus or swollen. It usually resolves spontaneously with either removal of the allergen or improving viral symptoms.
Some people depend on their voices to lecture or teach, to sing, to telemarketer or perform. Chronic hoarseness can develop. Hoarseness is a symptom, not a disease, and should be evaluated.
Evaluate Hoarseness or Vocal Chord damage
Laryngoscopy is needed to rule out tumors or obstructions. Thereafter, further tests can be conducted to check for other causes such as gastric reflux or side effects of medicines or supplements. Once the diagnosis part is completed, hydration and therapy can be initiated.
Alexander Technique for Voice Therapy
F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) was at one time a Shakespearean actor with chronic laryngitis. He developed his own vocal treatment by observing himself in a mirror using his musculature, breath, and tension. The details he noted were posture and neck usage. He saw that connecting the mind and body response to stimulus affects muscle contracture and release. The technique he developed uses kinesthetics, the nasal cavity, sinus, mouth, lungs, and chest.
Visualization Becomes Expression
Thinking about the movement or expression is different from performing that movement only in degrees of difference as far as the working muscles are concerned. To more simply explain, the expression “think happy thoughts” is only a few degrees different from making the face animated with the happy thoughts, i.e. smiling. “Look sad” has the facial muscles controlled by a feeling of sadness experienced mentally.
Voice Exercises Done with a Trained Alexander Therapist
An example of an assignment might be humming while relaxed, then repeating that sound while stressed, while standing and while lying down, observing and repeating the mechanism of use both physically and mentally. With practice the voice becomes liberated from its hoarseness.
This technique helps the quality of sound whether it is voice or instrument, since both are elements of sound production. He has been endorsed by such luminaries as Paul McCartney, Yehudi Menuhin, and, Sting. The Julliard School of Performing Arts in NYC and the Royal College of Music in London have taught the technique. Alexander therapists can be found in professional societies across the world. International organizations keep the members updated and are excellent resources.
Reference:. 2009;141:S1-S31
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
Amy Andersen - Amy Andersen, MSN, ARNP, family & pediatrics certified, practices yoga and explores the inter-relationships of mind body fitness and ...
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