What to Expect in a Laryngeal Massage Session

The concept of laryngeal massage goes by many names and is practiced by many different types of specialists. It is not a formal technique with specific steps. A professional with license to touch may undergo any number of trainings to better understand and practice laryngeal massage. These trainings are unregulated and uncertified and, as such, do not ensure “graduates” have any particular expertise, qualifications, or licensure. As such, it’s vital that the patient confirm they have a qualified and vetted professional. 

Because it is so poorly-defined, the experience may also be quite variable. Below are some guidelines that should reflect the patient experience.

Initial evaluation

Your specialist should evaluate the area of the anterior (front of) and posterior (back of) neck to identify areas of tightness, soreness, or restriction of movement. This should be gentle and also include a neck exam to rule out anatomic issues (carotid artery, lymph node enlargement, thyroid enlargement or tenderness) that would make laryngeal massage unsafe. 

Positioning

You should be comfortably positioned on your back. This allows you to relax your neck (rather than seated, when you would be holding up your head and resisting pressure from the massage). Massage therapists may add a portion where you are on your stomach as they are trained and expert in the back of the body as well. 

Techniques of pressure

Pressure may be gentle like a light massage, or traction and release to allow myofascial work. The pressure is often directed to the back of your body when addressing larger muscles in the lateral (side of) neck but should never be directed to the back when addressing anything in or near the midline. The vital structures of the carotid artery, jugular vein, vagus nerve, trachea, esophagus, thyroid gland, and spine are all located in the middle of the neck. Pressure should never be applied to these structures. Instead, pressure or traction should be directed towards the midline or sideways. Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or the feeling of pressure of your carotid, even for a few seconds, are warning signs of an unskilled practitioner and risk complications. Additionally, there should never be pain or nerve-type shooting pain in your arms or neck. This also indicates an unskilled or poorly-trained practitioner. 

Results

After a session, especially if the work is done well, there should be immediate improvement in symptoms of resonance, ease, and voice fatigue. While mild soreness is expected, significant soreness is an indication of poorly-performed massage. You should be able to (and often want to) return right to work, be it studio, stage, or recording booth. Long-form narration is the only exception, where same-day rest may be beneficial. 

Post-treatment care

Like any treatment, hydration, warm compress, and rest may help after. Vocal warm ups are a good tool to try to establish the new, more expansive, muscle engagement. Any lingering or new symptoms should be immediately addressed with your practitioner, especially if there appear neurological (dizziness, etc). 

In the wrong hands, laryngeal massage can go from ineffective to overtly harmful. Increased tension, pain, restriction of movement of the neck, loss of vocal range, or changed resonance are warning signs that should immediately be brought up with your practitioner.