5 Vocal Massage Techniques for Singers to Release Tension and Increase Sound

1. Vocal Massage Technique 1

Vocal Massage is the practice of massaging the muscles surrounding the vocal instrument including the neck, jaw, shoulders, and laryngeal muscles. Vocal massage is proven to reduce tension and improve vocal production, health, and longevity.

Besides finding a massage that focuses on vocal massage (which is a little harder outside of the big cities), applying our specific vocal-related self-massage techniques helps singers considerably improve the quality of their voices without seeing a practitioner.

Vocal massage helps with the following issues:

• Hoarse voice
• Tightness and muscle aches in and around the throat
• Strained voice
• Sudden breaks or fading of the voice
• Tender or tight neck muscles
• Loss of vocal range in singers
• Feeling the need to clear the throat
• Feeling a lump in the throat
• Gag reflex
• Muscular Tension Dysphonia

Vocal Massage #1: Laryngeal Massage

This massage soothes the throat muscles and reduces strain. It decreases tension and helps reduce hoarseness from over-singing or generalized tension.

• Place your thumb and forefingers at the sides of your throat gently.
• Gently move the throat back and forth side to side.
• The laryngeal muscles are soft cartilage that should slide back and forth easily.
• Massage gently to relax and stretch throat muscles before performing.
• This motion helps relax and open the throat before singing.

If your throat muscles feel tight, it is not unusual, but it indicates you need to work on releasing the throat muscles in this area. Regular self-massage will help.

2. Vocal Massage Technique 2

Vocal Massage #2: Larynx Drop and Pull-Down

Inside the Singers Gift Vocal Warmups, the “Larynx pull-down” lowers the larynx, which can get pushed up during singing. Some singers naturally have a higher larynx, which can affect register shifts and cause cracks or breaks.

Try this:

• Yawn with your finger horizontal at the top of the throat. Focus on the back of the throat versus the jaw.
• Watch in the mirror for downward movement of your finger and throat.
• Imaginary cup of water technique: as you “drink,” notice the throat lowering. Repeat throughout the day.
• Program this motion into the body connected to the inhale for natural, resonant, effortless singing.
• Once trained, this movement opens the throat before any phrase.

Note: Use small, subtle movements. Overdoing it can be counterproductive.

Using our vocal massage, release sequences, and therapy exercises, we’ve helped singers recover from neurological issues.

“I completely lost my voice for several weeks… It’s all because of Cari Cole. I am so thankful for you and the work you are doing! …” ~ Bonnie Kelemen

To learn more: Click here to learn more about the Cole Vocal Method

3. Laryngeal Manipulation Therapy (LMT)

Laryngeal Manipulative Therapy (LMT) and Bodywork help singers release tensions affecting their singing voices.

LMT uses gentle external contacts to examine the voice box by assessing muscle tension, joint movement, and general function, applying mobilizing techniques to restore normal voice function. The assessment also evaluates postural issues and breathing dysfunctions, which are important for efficient voice use.

What conditions is LMT used for?

LMT is primarily used for Primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD), one of the most common voice disorders caused by muscle tightening around the larynx from overuse, stress, or anxiety, resulting in symptoms such as:

• Hoarse voice
• Tightness and muscle aches in and around the throat
• Strained voice
• Sudden breaks or fading of the voice
• Tender neck
• Loss of vocal range in singers
• Feeling the need to clear the throat
• Feeling a lump in the throat
• Muscular Tension Dysphonia

To learn more about LMT, search online for practitioners in your area.

I also teach a longer sequence of vocal releases and massages inside the Better Voice Challenge: Click here to learn Cari’s Vocal Release Sequences taught inside The Better Voice Challenge.

4. Bodywork Modalities for Singers

Bodywork addresses the physical foundation of vocal production. Tension in shoulders, neck, jaw, or back can restrict breath, limit resonance, and strain the voice. Techniques like yoga, Alexander Technique, and Rolfing improve posture, alignment, breath support, and freedom of movement.

Specific bodywork enhances vocal freedom by increasing breath capacity and strengthening core muscles. Yoga improves flexibility and deep breathing; Alexander Technique releases unconscious tension patterns. Bodywork also strengthens the connection between mind, body, breath, and voice, making warm-ups easier and more effective.

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture relieves muscle tension in neck, shoulders, jaw, back, and abdominal muscles, improving breath support and vocal control. By targeting acupoints, it releases trigger points, improves circulation, reduces pain, increases flexibility, and enhances range of motion.

It may also aid in healing vocal fold lesions, like nodules. Studies show acupuncture can improve vocal function and structural healing. It also stimulates lungs and diaphragm, improving breath support and endurance. Additionally, acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and performance confidence.

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10624316/
https://www.csmusic.net/content/articles/the-doctor-is-in-17/