How can you help a client with vocal cord damage recover?

Vocal cord damage can be a serious and frustrating issue for singers, speakers, and anyone who relies on their voice for their work or passion. It can affect your vocal quality, range, pitch, volume, and endurance, and sometimes even cause pain or discomfort. However, with proper diagnosis, treatment, and care, you can recover from vocal cord damage and restore your voice to its full potential. In this article, we will share some tips on how you can help a client with vocal cord damage recover, based on our experience as vocal coaches.

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1 Identify the cause

The first step to help a client with vocal cord damage recover is to identify the cause of the injury. Vocal cord damage can result from various factors, such as overuse, misuse, infection, inflammation, trauma, allergies, reflux, or tumors. Some common signs of vocal cord damage are hoarseness, vocal fatigue, loss of range, breathiness, or difficulty swallowing. If your client experiences any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, they should consult a doctor or a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

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Mario Becker
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1. 📣 listen and understand 2. 🤝 Be empathetic, but be clear about what will help. 3. 🎶 Work on the basics: muscle tone, breathing, and airflow exercises should make up the majority of your exercises. 4. 🔊 The focus is on getting the voice to work again very gently - from a relaxed state. 5. A relaxed jaw, relaxed muscles in the shoulders and neck, and costo-abdominal breathing form the basis. 6. 🗣️ work in the head voice and use the vowel u. As an aid: 2/3 air, 1/3 tone. If you are not sure if you can help, consult a speech therapist! 🚀 #VoiceCoach #SingingTips #VocalHealth #SpeechTherapist #ProfessionalSingers #VoiceRestoration #BreathingTechniques #HeadVoice #VocalCare #MusicIndustry #SingerLife #VoiceProblems

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Georgia Aussenac

Voice Coach 🗣 Singing Coach | Your Voice 💜 Your Self | Community Leader 🌿 Small Business Owner
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Before you try to identify the cause, identify the symptoms and know what they might mean by making sure you are educated in the subject. Then, send them to an appropriate trained medical professional. It is not the job of a vocal coach to identify the cause of serious vocal symptoms, and the most useful thing you can do is to support them to seek professional help.

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2 Follow the treatment plan

The second step to help a client with vocal cord damage recover is to follow the treatment plan prescribed by the doctor or the SLP. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, the treatment plan may include medication, surgery, voice therapy, or vocal rest. Vocal rest means avoiding or limiting any vocal activity that may strain or irritate the vocal cords, such as singing, shouting, whispering, or clearing the throat. It is important to follow the treatment plan strictly and monitor the progress of the recovery.

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Georgia Aussenac

Voice Coach 🗣 Singing Coach | Your Voice 💜 Your Self | Community Leader 🌿 Small Business Owner
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Providing support to implement and stick to the treatment plan can be a really crucial part of vocal recovery. In this instance, if you as the vocal coach are the voice professional they have the closest relationship with and the most trust, you need to be careful to listen and guide but not advise. If you suspect that their treatment plan isn't working or isn't right for them, encourage them to return to see a professional.

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3 Adjust the vocal habits

The third step to help a client with vocal cord damage recover is to adjust their vocal habits to prevent further damage and promote healing. This may involve changing some aspects of their vocal technique, such as breathing, posture, resonance, articulation, and pitch. You can help your client by teaching them how to use their voice more efficiently and healthily, and by correcting any bad habits that may contribute to vocal strain or tension. You can also advise your client to adopt some vocal hygiene practices, such as drinking enough water, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and humidifying the air.

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Georgia Aussenac

Voice Coach 🗣 Singing Coach | Your Voice 💜 Your Self | Community Leader 🌿 Small Business Owner
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Help your client to discover a range of options for how they are caring for and using their voice. Don't 'correct' them - empower them to identify what isn't working for them and then give them options or help them to find their own solutions.

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4 Modify the vocal goals

The fourth step to help a client with vocal cord damage recover is to modify their vocal goals according to their current condition and capabilities. Vocal cord damage can affect your client's vocal performance and confidence, and they may feel frustrated or discouraged by their limitations. You can help your client by setting realistic and achievable vocal goals that match their recovery stage and their vocal needs. You can also help your client by providing positive feedback and encouragement, and by celebrating their progress and achievements.

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5 Resume the vocal activities

The fifth step to help a client with vocal cord damage recover is to resume their vocal activities gradually and carefully. Once your client has completed their treatment plan and has received clearance from their doctor or SLP, they can start to sing or speak again. However, they should not rush or overdo it, as they may risk reinjuring their vocal cords or delaying their recovery. You can help your client by designing a vocal warm-up and cool-down routine, and by suggesting some exercises and songs that are suitable for their vocal level and style.

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6 Maintain the vocal health

The sixth and final step to help a client with vocal cord damage recover is to maintain their vocal health and prevent future injuries. Vocal cord damage can recur or worsen if your client does not take care of their voice or ignores the warning signs of vocal problems. You can help your client by reminding them to follow the vocal habits and techniques that they have learned, and by recommending them to have regular check-ups with their doctor or SLP. You can also help your client by staying updated on the latest research and best practices on vocal health and wellness.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you help a client with vocal cord damage recover?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Identify the cause

2 Follow the treatment plan

3 Adjust the vocal habits

4 Modify the vocal goals

5 Resume the vocal activities

6 Maintain the vocal health

7 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

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How can you help a client with vocal cord damage recover?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the cause

2 Follow the treatment plan

3 Adjust the vocal habits

4 Modify the vocal goals

5 Resume the vocal activities

6 Maintain the vocal health

7 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

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