The Effect of Osteopathy and Complete Vocal Technique on Phonation in Amateur Singers

The CVT Emergency Aid program focused on optimising the work on the diaphragm was conducted in 3 steps. Step 1 related to establishing diaphragmatic breathing by feeling expansion around lower ribs at inhalation. Step 2 related to establishing connection between pulmonary pressure and subtotal pressurisation by invoking inwards abdominal movements on controlled exhaled voiceless exercises (ssss-sound) Step 3 related to establishing dynamic control of subglottal pressure by performing fricative voice sounds (vvvf- and zzz-sounds) while contracting the abdominal wall inwards and thereby pressurising the pulmonary space leading to increased subglottal pressure on accents and extended pitch accents.

Osteopathic treatment: Dooming Diaphragm. The inferior costal margin was contacted with the hands, allowing the thumbs to rest just below the ribcage anteriorly. Care was taken to avoid contact with the xiphoid process, as this could cause discomfort for the patient. The patient was instructed to breathe deeply, and as they exhaled, gentle pressure was applied superiorly and laterally with the thumbs, rolling them underneath the ribcage as far as was comfortable. This process was repeated for 3-5 breath cycles or until no tension was felt in the thumbs during exhalation.