Resonant Voice Therapy (RVT) is an evidence-based approach proven to increase both self-reported and objective measures of voice quality. Patients learn how to speak more naturally, shifting power away from vocal folds for reduced tension. RVT may also be effective against muscle tension dysphonia or nodules; two popular treatments being Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT) by Kathrine Verdonlini Abbott and Resonant Vocal Function Exercises by Joseph Stemple respectively.
Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT)
Katherine Verdolini Abbott, professor at the University of Delaware and internationally-recognized expert on Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT). She has made significant contributions in both basic science research and applied applications of LMRVT; furthermore she has trained voice professionals worldwide. Her work is grounded in perceptual measures and motor learning principles, employing a comprehensive method that includes hygiene programs, resonant voice exercises and inflection techniques; additionally adduction and reflux treatments may be provided as needed. LMRVT can be applied in the clinic, home and on-the-go; its goal is long-term change rather than short-term success. Hydration is of critical importance. LMRVT has shown to be successful at treating both hypo- and hyperadducted larynges while teaching patients to speak using their natural voice resonating system.
Resonant voice training involves leading patients through a series of full-body introspection and observation exercises designed to find their ideal representation of resonant voice using scan-gel-show-tell. Once this process has concluded, therapists will assist their patient in using their newfound resonant voice for louder phonation as well as teaching how to adapt it across environments and situations.
Resonant voice therapy refers to vocal fold posturing that produces maximum intensity with minimal injury, and studies show this approach results in greater vocal intensity without risk of additional phonotrauma. Furthermore, the resonant voice promotes hydration while simultaneously decreasing effort needed for vocal fold oscillation; ultimately minimizing healing times for any phonotraumatic lesions that arise as a result. Furthermore, its use can also help treat other voice disorders, including dysphonias or tinnitus.
Lessac Madsen’s unique approach
Lessac Madsen’s approach utilizes sound volume through resonance as its core method to treat voice disorders, making his technique easy to learn and highly effective against various issues related to vocal health and self-care. Furthermore, Lessac Madsen also assists patients in adopting healthy vocal hygiene practices as part of post-therapy self-care plans.
LMRVT is a research-driven voice therapy approach utilized worldwide. This innovative therapy method honors the work of esteemed professors Arthur Lessac and Mark Madsen while emphasizing effortless phonation, resonance, articulation and resonance between an anterior alveolar ridge, nose, teeth, lips and facial bones for maximum benefits.
Verdolini Abbott and Stemple offer courses on this approach to voice therapy. A 2017 systematic review concluded that resonant voice therapy effectively improves voice quality and efficiency for those suffering from dysphonia.
Lessac Madsen’s philosophy
Katherine Verdolini Abbott created Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT) in the early 2000s to honor Professor Arthur Lessac and Mark Madsen, her mentors in voice and motor learning. Since then she has published both basic science research as well as trained clinicians worldwide on its implementation.
This method uses a patient-centric approach that prioritizes setting hygiene and voice goals in collaboration with clinicians. Customized hygiene goals can be set according to each patient’s lifestyle; clinicians communicate all information they need for patients to stay on task outside the clinic compared to traditional methods, which impose rigid structures of hygiene practices on them.
Another key element of this method is teaching patients to speak in moderate voice until the clinician indicates they are ready for louder phonation. This approach takes into account research showing that paying too much attention to how speech production mechanics operate can impair immediate performance and long-term retention, as well as reduce inspiration risks that may cause additional phonotrauma.
Lessac Madsen’s training
Katherine Verdolini Abbott is the creator of Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT), an approach to voice therapy which pays homage to two renowned voice and speech trainers: Professor Arthur Lessac and Dr. Mark Madsen. Through LMRVT she conducts basic science and clinical research into vocal physiology while training clinicians worldwide in this approach; LMRVT has proven effective for treating various voice disorders (Kao 2017; Watts 2019; Liu 2022). For exercise click here for LMRVT exercises!
