Alternative medicine: does it play a role in the management of voice disorders?

Alexander technique for chronic asthma

BACKGROUND

'The Alexander technique' is a taught form of physical therapy involving a series of movements designed to correct posture and bring the body into natural alignment with the object of helping it to function efficiently, and is reported to aid relaxation. Some practitioners claim benefits for those who desire greater ease and efficiency of breathing, including asthmatics.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of the Alexander technique in people with chronic, stable asthma.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field trials register and the bibliographies of relevant articles. The most recent search was run in June 2012.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of Alexander technique (AT) for the improvement of the symptoms of chronic, stable asthma, comparing the treatment with either another intervention or no intervention.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No trials were found that met the selection criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

No meta-analysis could be performed.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Robust, well-designed randomised controlled trials are required in order to test claims by practitioners that AT can have a positive effect on the symptoms of chronic asthma and thereby help people with asthma to reduce medication.

Nontraditional tools helpful in the treatment of certain types of voice disturbances

Voice therapy has evolved considerably over the past decade. Our field has learned to draw from other disciplines to help facilitate the restoration of vocal function by implementing a more holistic approach and utilizing principles of motor learning to create our therapy programs. Clinicians have learned to recognize that the voice is more than just the larynx. Rather, it is a whole body system, and breakdowns in systems throughout the body can be responsible for vocal disturbances. This review will cover the nontraditional approaches that aid in treating certain voice disorders that often are not discussed in textbooks or classrooms. Facilitating techniques include principles from singing and acting voice production, Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, Qigong, and circumlaryngeal massage.

"Alternative medical therapy" use among singers: prevalence and implications for the medical care of the singer

Singers are extremely conscious of health problems that affect their voices and well-being and often take an active role in seeking care for these problems. They frequently seek treatment from providers or with modalities considered "alternative" to traditional medical care. A survey of singers was completed to elucidate their attitudes and practices regarding "alternative modalities" of medical care. Frequently singers will self-medicate or take advice from people not well versed in the special needs of a professional voice user. They will fail to share this information with the physician when seeking "traditional" medical care. These practices may predispose the singer to suboptimal or even dangerous care. These results are discussed, as well as the implications for the medical physician treating the singer. The possible detrimental pharmacologic effects of "natural therapies" widely used by singers are presented, with special attention to the particular concerns for the professional singer.

Alexander technique for chronic asthma

BACKGROUND

"The Alexander technique" is a taught form of physical therapy involving a series of movements designed to correct posture and bring the body into natural alignment with the object of helping it to function efficiently, and is reported to aid relaxation. Some practitioners claim benefits for those who desire greater ease and efficiency of breathing, including asthmatics.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of the Alexander technique in people with chronic, stable asthma.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The specialised register of the Cochrane Airways Group, the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field trials register and the bibliographies of relevant articles were searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of Alexander technique for the improvement of the symptoms of chronic, stable asthma, comparing the treatment with either another intervention or no intervention.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No trials were found that met the selection criteria.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Robust, well-designed randomised controlled trials are required in order to test claims by practitioners that AT can have a positive effect on the symptoms of chronic asthma and thereby help people with asthma to reduce medication.