Enhancing Voice Therapy with Myofascial Release in Cervicalgia Patients

A recent study published in The Laryngoscope (2025) highlights how integrating myofascial release therapy into voice therapy can significantly improve outcomes for patients with cervicalgia (chronic neck pain) who also experience related voice and throat symptoms.

Background

Cervicalgia can contribute to various laryngeal complaints such as chronic cough, throat discomfort, voice strain, swallowing difficulty, and a sensation of a lump in the throat. These symptoms are often functional, not structural, making them challenging to treat. Voice therapy is commonly used, but results may vary. Myofascial release—manual therapy focused on relaxing tight fascia and muscle—has been proposed as a helpful addition.

Study Summary

This retrospective analysis looked at 87 adult patients with cervicalgia and one or more of the following:

• Voice strain from muscle tension
• Difficulty swallowing from muscle tension
• Chronic coughing
• The sensation of something stuck in the throat

Patients were grouped based on treatment:

• Voice therapy only (26 patients)
• Myofascial release therapy only (41 patients)
• Combined therapy (20 patients)

Patient-reported outcomes were assessed before and after therapy, using validated questionnaires for voice handicap, reflux symptoms, throat sensations, shortness of breath, cough severity, and swallowing difficulty.

Key Findings

• Voice therapy alone improved voice handicap, reflux symptoms, and throat sensations.
• Myofascial release alone improved reflux symptoms.
• The combination of both therapies produced the most comprehensive improvements, with benefits extending to all measured symptoms—including breathing and cough.

Statistically, the combined group had significantly better outcomes in reducing reflux, throat discomfort, shortness of breath, and cough severity than voice therapy alone.

Clinical Implication for Therapists

Adding myofascial release techniques to voice therapy may be especially helpful for clients presenting with a combination of neck tension and functional laryngeal symptoms. This integrated approach not only improves voice but also targets underlying fascial and muscular dysfunctions contributing to the broader symptom picture.

Takeaway

For clients with voice or throat symptoms linked to neck pain, consider pairing manual fascial work with traditional voice therapy to achieve more holistic and effective treatment results.