I met a young woman yesterday who is having surgery today on vocal cord nodules and polyps. She teaches cycling classes at several locations and that use of her voice caused the problem with her vocal cords. Her voice sounded very raspy and it hurt my throat just listening to her. I asked her what kind of post-operative speech therapy or voice coaching was recommended by her physician to help her avoid this problem in the future. "None" was her answer. This made me very upset and angry. How could a doctor do this kind of surgery and not be concerned about the underlying cause? I gave her my business card and told her I would help her. I do not expect to be paid for my time because she is a college student but I know that helping her reposition her voice will allow her to continue teaching cycling classes and will keep her from possible permanent harm to her voice.
If you are a teacher, coach, fitness instructor or anyone who has to speak loudly in your work, know that your throat should not hurt during or after your class. You can learn how to have a bigger voice that is heard in the back of the room without being in pain. A voice coach can teach you how to use your voice properly in a matter of an hour or two.
I and others like me want to help.