OBJECTIVES/INTRODUCTION:
Maladaptive compensatory muscle tension is a common response to voice injury in singers. Muscle tension may also be a primary cause of voice disorders. Many singers struggle with muscle tension in the tongue and/or jaw, which are often locations for excessive effort in singing, unconsciously recruited to stabilize the larynx or assist in vocal control. Tension in the tongue/jaw can result in increased laryngeal effort.
Manual therapy provides an effective treatment modality for addressing painful phonation, tissue tightness and maladaptive muscle tension directly through manual manipulation, gentle pressure and stretching, and tissue movement.

Participants will:
Describe basic principles and theories of Manual Therapy
Describe how mechanical pressure, stretch and stimulation of tissue is used to address muscle tension and/or tightness.
Identify 3-4 types of manual treatments that can be applied

METHODS/INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE:
Workshop format. The presenter will provide hands-on demonstration of various techniques and strategies for addressing muscle tension in the tongue/jaw (including TMJ) through manual therapy. Session will be in a master class format with presenter demonstrating skills/techniques on volunteer subject/participant and with audience participation/observation.

CONTENT/SKILL TO BE TAUGHT
Attendees will learn:
• How/why manual therapy can be an effective treatment modality for remediation of pain, movement disorders and voice disorders.
• Importance of collaborative process between clinician and singer in collecting history (e.g. patient directed evaluation and therapy).
• How the clinician uses palpation to evaluate muscle tension and/or tightness.
• Importance of patient validation in identifying relevant areas to target for treatment.
• Different types of manual treatments that can be applied (e.g. cross or single handed, compression, gathering/lifting, traction, etc.).
• Combining vocalization and standard voice therapy approaches with manual therapy.