Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy is an evidence-based solution for muscle tension dysphonia and vocal fold nodules. Patients learn to feel vibrations in front of their faces during easy phonations before progressing onto voiced and voiceless sounds at word, phrase and conversation levels – this approach being taught by Kathrine Verdolini Abbott and Joseph Stemple.
Adapted by Katherine Verdolini Abbott
Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy is an evidence-based solution for voice disorders such as muscle tension dysphonia and vocal fold nodules, such as muscle tension dysphonia. The approach teaches patients to speak with forward focus and easy phonations to reduce strain while helping them feel vibrations when speaking; this shifts power away from vocal folds to glottal membrane power of speech transmission. Katherine Verdolini Abbott created this technique and has conducted both basic science research on it as well as applied research research on it.
The fifth edition features several new case studies and a final chapter that discusses nontraditional therapy delivery models and therapeutic challenges. Vrushali Angadi also contributes a chapter about using telemedicine for voice treatment; both authors cover transgender clients as they strive to make their voices reflect their gender identities.
Resonant voice therapy (RVT) is an integrative treatment approach that uses multiple tools and techniques to treat complex voice disorders seen in daily practice. RVT’s application stems from its fundamental principle that in order for any management strategy for voice disorders to succeed, an evaluation process should include patient self-reports, audioperceptual evaluation, as well as objective measures of vocal function.
Developed by Lessac and Madsen
Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT) is an extremely successful treatment option for muscle tension dysphonia and vocal fold nodules, helping patients learn to speak in an easy and forward focus manner – taking power away from vocal folds while decreasing tension – with LMRVT being founded upon research into cognitive substrates of motor learning.
LMRVT was created by speech-language pathology experts with extensive expertise, who are widely respected. They conducted basic science and clinical studies on its effects, and trained clinicians worldwide in its use.
As well as offering LMRVT services, you should educate patients on voice hygiene and suggest daily voice exercises. Furthermore, encourage them to practice their new resonant voices at home.
Developed by Kathrine Verdolini Abbott
Resonant voice therapy is an evidence-based solution to muscle tension dysphonia, such as vocal fold nodules and polyps. It involves teaching patients to speak with forward focus and easy phonation – moving the power off the vocal cords, thus relieving strain. As a result, sound quality improves, making for easier breathing and greater resonance. Alongside therapy sessions, patients should practice resonant speech at home as well as provide vocal hygiene education for best results.
Katherine Verdolini Abbott, PhD, CC-SLP is an internationally acclaimed professor of communication science and disorders at the University of Delaware. As an innovator of Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT) she has pioneered research on cognitive substrates of motor learning; has trained clinicians worldwide on its use; she serves on multiple advisory committees of various professional organizations (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association / National Association of Teachers of Singing etc).
