
Throat Feeling Tight?
Have you ever noticed your voice trailing off at the end of a long day, or perhaps felt a persistent tightness in your throat that rest simply won’t touch?
The muscles surrounding your larynx are tireless workers, yet they are frequently overlooked until tension makes speaking or singing an arduous chore.
At Recover Physio, we provide laryngeal massage, a specialised form of throat physiotherapy, to help you rediscover vocal freedom and restore your quality of life.
Sophia Smith
PhysiotherapistSophia Smith is a chartered physiotherapist who graduated from the University of East Anglia with…
Read MoreI seldom find a physio who can release my neck in 30 minutes…Mel is very knowledgeable with many skills under her belt. Very highly recommended
Huge thanks to Callum at Recover Physio for helping to get me back on track and complete a half marathon safely following my fall down the stairs at home in October. I had a tear in my knee ligament and some very bruised bones which was a big blow when my first half marathon was 6 months later! As time was short I decided to look for a physio who was experienced with knees but was doubtful as 30 years ago I’d had physio following a car accident in hospital and it didn’t seem to help. So Callum was faced with my knee injury, my old car accident injuries which still impact me today & someone who wasn’t very pro physiotherapy! I can now say I am a physio convert! Callum has explained everything clearly, professionally and helped get my knee strong enough to complete my first half marathon safely. I’ve physically seen the improvements in my knee & surrounding leg area and have understood how the ligaments & muscles all work and fit together thanks to his comprehensive explanations. Obviously it’s up to the client to complete the follow up exercises or rest as guided but this is what physiotherapy should be and I couldn’t have chosen a better physiotherapist to have helped me. He’s also helped with a neck issue too and I have some ongoing exercises to help all round and know I can pop back as and when I may need (especially due to the old injuries which can flare up). It’s very reassuring to know there is someone I can now rely on to help with any issues in the future (hopefully no more falls!) and I cannot recommend Callum enough as a knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and excellent physiotherapist.
Attended the clinic after suffering shooting pains in my back. Saw Leah who was amazing. She was professional, thorough and kind. After an extensive examination and discussion where she really listened, she worked out it was actually my neck that was the problem and also my posture. Through a combination of massage, needle therapy and exercises I was pain free after one visit (which was incredible as the pain was severe) and my posture, movement and strength were vastly improved after three. I cannot recommend her and the clinic enough.
Mel Is excellent. She really helped me regain movement in my neck and reduced the pain
After my recent cycling races, the body was in need of some relaxation and TLC. I had a brilliant full body massage from Mel, she also used hot stones to get a deeper relaxation response from tight muscles. Look forward to seeing her when I’m back in August before my A goal races of the year! 🙂 Thank you Recover Physio!
Following 4 sessions of massage, acupuncture and an exercise programme to carry out at home my back pain has greatly improved and I now feel able, following the advised exercise plan, to help alleviate future pain. The help I have had from Sophia has been excellent and I would not hesitate to return in future should I need to.
Riddhi helped me to prepare and meet my marathon and half marathon targets especially with the arm string weakness/muscle scar that I carry since my sprinter former career. She helped me to rebalance the equilibrium between the various muscles. A relevant mix between reinforcement and tension release (needles, foam rolling, massages). It also helped me to deepen my knowledge of my body preparation for a race. Thanks
I’ve had a number of appointments with Leah Upton to help me with some neck and back pain. She’s always provided an excellent service, and I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my condition over the few months I’ve been seeing her. I’d recommend her.
My neck problems, possibly caused by walking with a rucksack/ daybag, were solved. As I have of necessity, lockdown etc, done less walking I revisit Recover Physio as and when I feel the need.
Recover was highly recommended by my son and various friends. I was seen by Riddhi as a new client quickly. Her treatment plan and exercises have resolved a neck/shoulder issue (which I’ve had for 18 months) in about 4 months. She has been brilliant.
Ollie was assigned to my 85 year old dad after leaving hospital following hip surgery. He first visited us at home to help get dad mobile again around the house, negotiate stairs and importantly to become strong enough to get in and out of a car. The sessions then continued at the clinic. Ollie instantly struck up a great patient/practitioner relationship with dad and also myself. He showed great empathy for the situation and gave us confidence that regular physiotherapy support would accelerate dad’s recovery. I attended many of the sessions with my dad and it was evident that Ollie’s ongoing assessment of dad’s progress and the continuation of physio, acupuncture and deep massage resulted in dad’s full recovery. Ollie always came across as highly professional, experienced and totally committed to improving the outcome for dad. I can’t thank him enough for the difference this has made to dad and our wider family. He is a credit to his profession and to Recover Physio.
I’ve had several appointments with Grace – initially for neck issues, but she’s also been an enormous help with back problems that I’ve had for years. Really friendly, professional service and really took time to explain exercises and how the muscles work which have enabled me to feel in control moving forward and understand how to look after myself long term. Highly recommended!
Used this location as well as the city centre one. My Physio Callum was brilliant, pinpointing my problem straight away and sorted it with massage and exercises.
More Information
Opening Hours
- Monday8am – 8pm
- Tuesday8am – 5pm
- Wednesday8am – 8pm
- Thursday8am – 8pm
- Friday8am – 5pm
- Saturday9am – 1pm
- SundayCLOSED
What is laryngeal massage?
Often referred to as vocal massage or Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT), this is a targeted, hands-on treatment focused on the intricate structures of the neck and throat. It is a precise manipulation of the muscles and fascia surrounding the voice box, designed to restore proper movement and function. By reducing the “squeeze” on your larynx, we allow the vocal folds to vibrate more efficiently. Our team uses evidence-based techniques to ensure that every patient achieves optimal physical recovery.
Signs you might benefit from vocal massage
Tension rarely stays quiet, it speaks through various physical cues that can significantly impact your daily routine. You may benefit from an assessment if you experience:
- Vocal fatigue: Your voice feels tired, “breathy”, or weak after minimal use.
- Globus sensation: A feeling of a persistent lump, pressure, or tightness in the throat when swallowing.
- Restricted range: Singers and speakers may find their high notes or volume feel “locked”.
- Physical aching: Tenderness around the jaw, temples, neck, or even referred pain to the ears.
- Irritated larynx: A frequent need to clear your throat or a feeling of constant constriction.
- Effortful voice projection: You feel as if you have to strain or put a great deal of force into projecting your voice.
How throat physiotherapy works
At Recover Physio, we pride ourselves on giving everyone the time to talk through their problems so we can fully understand how to help. Our treatment process involves a thorough, individualised assessment followed by a tailored roadmap for recovery. We may use several techniques:
- Myofascial release: We apply sustained, gentle pressure to release connective tissue (fascia) that wraps around the neck muscles.
- Laryngeal manipulation: This involves gentle lateral and downwards movement to improve the alignment of the structures within the throat.
- Trigger point therapy: We address specific areas of tension in the neck and jaw that contribute to throat pressure.
- Postural education: We provide guidance on posture, tongue positioning and body mechanics to prevent the recurrence of tension.
- Breathing mechanics: We thoroughly assess your breathing mechanics, offer advice and corrective exercises to optimise this to reduce risk of vocal fatigue.
Can you loosen tight vocal cords at home?
While professional assessment is vital for an accurate diagnosis, there are gentle ways to support your recovery between sessions. Managing the amount of vocal usage can help to manage fatigue and strain. You may also find relief through contrast therapy, alternating between warm and cold compresses to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Additionally, self-massage using a small ball can help reduce muscle tension in the neck and jawline.
What should you do if you suffer a sports injury?
If you’ve sustained a sports injury, you can follow these steps:
- Stop the activity: Don’t push through pain.
- Initial care: Use RICE principles (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) within the first 48 hours for minor injuries.
- Seek professional assessment: Early intervention from a physiotherapist at Recover can speed up recovery and prevent complications.
- Follow a rehab plan: Guided exercises and ongoing manual therapy are often key to full recovery.
- Use massage as part of your recovery: When appropriate, sports massage may support healing by improving circulation, reducing stiffness, and easing muscle tension.
Sports Massage at Recover Physio
Recover Physio is uniquely suited to helping clients through sports massage, offering an elite level of care built on a foundation of experience in professional sport. Founded by Stuart Wardle, whose background includes working with Norwich City Football Club (NCFC), the clinic brings a deep understanding of what it takes to keep athletes of all levels performing at their best.
At NCFC, Stuart was part of a multidisciplinary team delivering integrated treatment and recovery strategies to Premier League footballers. This care combined physiotherapy, massage therapy, strength and conditioning, and medical oversight.
Recognising that the general public could benefit from the same expert approach, Stuart established Recover Physio to make this high standard of care accessible to all. The clinic is built on the belief that everyone, from competitive athletes to recreational runners and active individuals, deserves personalised, effective treatment that reflects their lifestyle, goals, and physical demands.
Sports massage plays a central role in this. At Recover Physio, it’s more than just a recovery tool, it’s part of a broader, individualised strategy to support performance, manage load, prevent injury, and accelerate healing. Every treatment is tailored to the individual, taking into account their sport, training demands, injury history, and goals.
What truly sets Recover Physio apart is the expertise of its therapists. Each member of the team has a strong understanding of sport and the specific physical stresses involved, whether that’s high-intensity training, repetitive movements, or competition preparation. This insight allows them to deliver highly targeted sports massage that fits seamlessly into a wider treatment or performance plan, often alongside physiotherapy or rehabilitation exercises.
Book Now or Speak to a Massage Therapist
If you would like to discuss your condition to find out how we can help, you can speak to one of our friendly therapists. Just click below to request a callback from a member of our team. Alternatively, if you would like to get going with your treatment straight away, you can book an initial assessment online by calling us on 01603 905 111.
Find Your Nearest Recover Physio Clinic
Recover Physio proudly provides expert physiotherapy services in Norwich. With two convenient locations in the city centre on Princes Street and at The Nest just off Holt Road, we are committed to serving the Norfolk community.
Princes Street, Norwich City Centre
Our Princes Street clinic is the flagship clinic of Recover Physio, situated in the heart of Norwich city centre in Tombland.
The Nest, Holt Road - Norwich North
Our clinic at The Nest serves customers in Norwich and surrounding areas of North Norwich and Norfolk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who might need a laryngeal massage?
This treatment is designed for anyone experiencing vocal fatigue, a “lump” in the throat, or restricted movement during speaking and singing. It is especially beneficial for professional voice users, such as teachers or performers, and those suffering from muscle tension dysphonia.
What does a laryngeal massage do?
The procedure uses precise manual techniques to release restricted fascia and reduce excessive muscle tension around the voice box. By easing this “squeeze,” we restore the larynx’s natural mobility, allowing the vocal folds to vibrate more efficiently and without pain.
How do you loosen tight vocal cords and release neck fascia?
We use specialised myofascial release and joint mobilisation to break down adhesions in the connective tissue. This is often combined with targeted soft tissue therapy to decrease muscle tone and restore a full, comfortable range of motion.
What are the benefits of a vocal massage?
Patients typically experience immediate relief from throat pressure, improved vocal clarity, and an enhanced range of pitch. Furthermore, it addresses the “holistic” tension in the neck and jaw, promoting long-term vocal health and overall wellbeing.