Manual Therapy: Voice & Swallowing

Service Description

This comprehensive course introduces clinicians to manual therapy (MT) as a multifactorial, evidence-informed approach for supporting individuals with voice, swallowing, oral-motor, and related functional disorders. Using a biopsychosocial and patient-centred model of care, participants will learn how manual therapy can influence complex presentations involving voice production, swallowing function, tongue and jaw mechanics, breathing, pain, and performance limitations. The course moves beyond simplistic, tissue-based explanations and explores the neurological, behavioural, and contextual factors that influence outcomes in clinical practice. Although originally designed with Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) in mind, the course content is equally relevant for massage therapists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists with an interest in the head, neck, and orofacial region. Course Philosophy & Approach Manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release, vocal massage, and laryngeal manipulation are often taught as mechanical solutions to mechanical problems. This course challenges that narrative. Participants are guided through the complexity and uncertainty inherent in voice and swallowing disorders, learning how to integrate: Evidence-informed reasoning Clinical uncertainty Therapeutic alliance Shared Decision-Making (SDM) Rather than overwhelming participants with techniques, the course emphasises clinical reasoning, patient-directed care, and meaningful application, ensuring confidence and competence in real-world settings. Key Areas Covered Voice and swallowing disorders Oral-motor and tongue dysfunction Jaw opening and functional limitations Breathing mechanics and postural influence Pain, tension, and performance restrictions Manual therapy in the context of functional participation What You Will Learn How to evaluate voice and swallowing disorders using a patient-directed manual therapy framework Evidence-based explanations for the effects of manual therapy beyond tissue-based models Practical application of manual therapy techniques, including: Cross-handed techniques Single-handed techniques Compression Gathering and lifting Traction How to apply manual therapy as a preparatory intervention to support meaningful activities such as eating, drinking, speaking, and social interaction How Shared Decision-Making enhances treatment outcomes and patient engagement