Sam Brady

Voice Therapy

Voice therapy is a specialised intervention offered by speech and language therapists to address a range of difficulties related to voice, throat symptoms, neurological conditions, and swallowing difficulties. Here’s how we approach each area:
Speech and Language Therapy for people with voice difficulties
Speech and Language Therapy for Throat Symptoms
Speech Therapy for Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)
Speech and Language Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
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Speech and Language Therapy for people with voice difficulties

Voice therapy provided by a laryngeal specialist speech and language therapist offers targeted interventions to individuals experiencing a wide range of voice-related difficulties. You may benefit from voice therapy if you experience:

Vocal Quality Issues

If you have concerns about the quality of your voice, such as hoarseness, breathiness, strain, or changes in pitch or resonance, voice therapy can help address these issues and optimise your vocal function.

Vocal Fatigue

If you experience vocal fatigue or discomfort after prolonged speaking or singing, voice therapy can provide strategies to improve vocal endurance and reduce vocal strain.

Professional Voice Users

If you rely on your voice for professional purposes, such as singers, actors, teachers, or public speakers, voice therapy can help optimise vocal performance, prevent vocal injuries, and enhance vocal projection and endurance.

Laryngeal Muscle Tension

If you experience laryngeal muscle tension or tightness, voice therapy can incorporate release techniques, breathing exercises, and vocal exercises to alleviate tension and promote optimum voice quality and throat comfort.

Vocal Cord Lesions

If you have vocal cord lesions, such as nodules, polyps, or cysts, voice therapy can complement medical interventions by promoting vocal healing, reducing vocal abuse behaviours, and preventing lesion recurrence.

Neurological Conditions Affecting the Larynx

If you have neurological conditions affecting the larynx, such as Parkinson’s Disease voice therapy can help improve vocal control, clarity, and intelligibility through targeted exercises and strategies.

Vocal Hygiene Concerns

If you have concerns about vocal hygiene, such as vocal abuse behaviours, excessive throat clearing, or environmental factors contributing to vocal irritation, voice therapy can provide education and guidance to promote vocal health and reduce the risk of voice disorders.
After being diagnosed with vocal nodules, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to get my normal voice back. However, Sam was amazing and so supportive in my vocal therapy. She tailored a treatment programme to suit my lifestyle and after 3 months my voice has returned to normal! I am very grateful for her help.
AT

Jan 2022

Speech and Language Therapy for people with Parkinson’s Disease

Speech and language therapy can be beneficial for individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, which may impact speech, voice, and swallowing function. One specialised approach is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)  a structured evidence based program designed to improve vocal loudness, speech clarity, and swallowing function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. I qualified in LSVT in 2003 and, since then, have helped many people to improve their confidence and vocal strength through this approach.

Speech and Language Therapy for Throat Symptoms

As a speech and language therapist specialising in voice and throat disorders, I offer comprehensive support for a range of throat symptoms that can impact vocal health and overall well-being. These symptoms may include:

Chronic Cough

Persistent coughing can be disruptive and may indicate underlying vocal cord irritation or dysfunction. I provide targeted interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve vocal comfort.

Throat Irritation

Laryngeal irritation, characterised by a scratchy or raw sensation in the throat, can result from various factors such as vocal strain, environmental irritants, or underlying medical conditions. I teach strategies to reduce throat irritation and promote vocal health through vocal hygiene practices and lifestyle modifications.

Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) can lead to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and throat irritation, known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). I provide education on reflux management strategies and offer techniques to minimise the impact of reflux on vocal function and comfort.

Throat Discomfort

Generalised or specific throat discomfort or pain can significantly affect quality of life and may be associated with conditions such as muscle tension dysphonia. I offer interventions to address throat discomfort, including relaxation and release techniques.

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Speech Therapy for Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)

Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) or exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), can cause breathing difficulties during exercise or when exposed to specific environmental triggers. Speech therapy can help manage ILO symptoms effectively. Here’s how:

Assessment and Education

Speech therapists conduct assessments and provide education about ILO triggers and symptoms, empowering individuals to recognise and manage their condition.

Breathing Techniques

Therapists teach breathing techniques to improve airflow and reduce laryngeal obstruction, enhancing breathing efficiency during activities.

Vocal Hygiene

Guidance on vocal hygiene practices helps reduce laryngeal irritation, minimising symptom exacerbation.

Behavioural Strategies

Therapists work on cognitive-behavioural techniques to manage laryngeal obstruction episodes effectively.

Collaboration

Speech therapists collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as respiratory physiotherapists and respiratory doctors/nurses to ensure comprehensive care.

For more information, refer to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) factsheet on ILO. DOWNLOAD HERE