When patients come to our office with complaints of pain with voice or swallowing, the first question asked, “Is it a sore throat or muscle pain?” A sore throat is usually an indication of a virus, bacterial infection or irritation from acid refluxed from the stomach and treatable. With muscle pain, however, the use of myofascial release has become an accepted method of treatment. “When we place our hands on a patient and move them in a certain manner, pain will often lessen and function will often improve,” states Waltz Fritz, P.T. In his course, “Myofascial
Release for Voice and Swallowing Problems,” Fritz explained that, anatomically, “fascia” is used interchangeably with connective tissue. Fascia surrounds, separates, and invests muscles, groups of muscles, nerves, bones, organs, blood vessels, and nearly everything in the body. He indicated that fascia serves the purpose of binding structures together while allowing others to slide over another. By following the principles of neurodynamic technique, Fritz demonstrated elongation of the elastic portion of the connective tissue until shortened collagen fibers are encountered and then using a sustained hold of the stretch. The surrounding ground substance softens and allows the collagen to be permanently stretched, effectively reducing tightness and pain. Locating and isolating a suspected area of the body and addressing the issue through traction, such issues as tightness, discomfort/pain, difficulty with range of motion, loss of swallowing ease, voice changes, jaw/TMJ dysfunction can be alleviated. Through use of demonstration and development of a home program, patients with muscle induced voice and swallowing issues appreciate immediate relief of their symptoms with myofascial release and muscle reeducation and, after only a few sessions, are able to self treat.
