Objective
This case study describes the effects of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises and manual laryngeal therapy on jaw, mouth, and throat pain in two professional jazz saxophonists with no voice complaints. The first patient, 18 years old and attending a top-ranked music institution, presented to an academic, tertiary care voice and swallowing center with chronic mouth and jaw pain during and after saxophone playing. The second patient, age 46, professional performer and department chair of saxophone at a music institution, presented with throat pain while playing saxophone. No associated voice complaints in either patient. Both patients were previously treated by other health professionals, including dentists, and TMJ physical therapists without progress and persistent symptoms. Given the prevalence of playing-related injuries among saxophonists in the jaw/mouth region due to the demands of embouchure and head posture for advanced playing technique, voice therapy was offered with a knowledge of symptoms related to increased laryngeal musculoskeletal tension with excessive recruitment of the larynx and pharynx as seen in performers with muscle tension dysphonia.
Method
The two patients underwent a trial of voice therapy. Sessions focused on implementation of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises including straw phonation, lip trills, and kazoo buzzing through saxophone reed along with manual laryngeal therapy. The two therapy techniques were offered as warm-ups for preparation of saxophone playing, in addition to targeting the self-perceived posture during playing. Subjective patient reported measures were obtained performed before and after therapy.
Results
Complete resolution of jaw, mouth, and throat pain was observed in the two patients, given application of SOVT exercises and self-administered manual laryngeal therapy. Patients reported secondary gains in changes to playing technique and overall reduced effort during when playing the saxophone.
Conclusions
This serves as the first case report for successful resolution of jaw, mouth, and throat pain in saxophonists without voice complaints given implementation of SOVT exercises.