"YOUR VOICE IS IN GOOD HANDS"

WHAT WE DO

THE VOC DOC™ provides Vocal Massage to High-Profile and Professional Singers, Speakers, Actors and those with Jaw, Voice and Swallowing Disorders.

We treat at our clinic in Warwickshire and off-site* for those on tour, by travelling to the venues or other convenient locations across the UK and overseas, to apply the treatment wherever needed and most convenient for the artist and management. See our testimonials below.

*Off-site visits will incur extra costs and we generally require advance notice. In the event that you need an urgent off-site appointment or something goes wrong unexpectedly, we will always do our very best to get to wherever you are, when you need us.

WHAT IS VOCAL MASSAGE?

Vocal Massage simply put, is the vocalists equivalent of a Sports Massage for athletes.

Athletes will have monthly, weekly and sometimes daily sessions to aid their training and performance, speed up recovery and reduce the risk of injury. The only real difference between you and a sports athlete, is that you use different muscles and parts of your body to execute your profession and passion.

So, from now on think of yourself as a 'Vocal Athelete'.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
In a nutshell it can help to:
- Restore normal laryngeal function, reducing compensatory behaviours and the risk of vocal injury
- Encourage a more neutral jaw position to improve articulation, pronunciation, tone and resonance
- Helps with a loss of range and/or transitions between vocal registers
- Stimulate the muscles used for breathing to promote more effective breath support and control
- Relax and reduce tension type symptoms in the muscles (directly and indirectly) associated with voice production
- Reduce the effects of vocal fatigue, stress and anxiety
- In some cases can reduce the symptoms of Acid Reflux & GERD
- Improve and maintain posture
- Create a self-awareness of tension, fatigue and the importance of healthy technique
It will not improve poor technique or replace the need to exercise and develop your voice.
WHO IS IT FOR?

For all voice users (such as singers and actors) as a maintenance tool, and for those with vocal pathologies, voice and/or swallowing disorders as part of a structured rehabilitation program.

For maintenance; we would encourage artists to have treatment at the rehearsal stage, periodically between shows and performance dates, and following a tour to reduce the risk of vocal fatigue issues or injury, and to keep 'the voice' in better health generally.

Vocal Massage should be part of a singers consistent vocal health routine, alongside regular vocal coaching, vocal exercise, a good diet, hydration and rest.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

This type of therapy is very ‘hands-on’ BUT NOT PAINFUL.

It involves a mixture of laryngeal manipulation, soft tissue massage, stretching, myofascial release, and osteopathic articulation to the muscles of the larynx, the larynx itself, the jaw, neck, abdominal region and other muscles and areas associated with producing sound and breathing, such as the ribs and spine where osteopathic manipulation may also be used if appropriate.

Charles is also qualified in medical acupuncture, which can be used as an additional intervention on a person-by-person basis and as part of a treatment.

All sessions are tailored to your needs and requirements, with constant communication to ensure that we are ALWAYS working comfortbaly within your tolerance.
WHO IS THE VOC DOC™?

Charles Ward is an ex-professional singer and performer who understands the stresses and strains that performing has on the voice, the mind, and the body; which was the driver for creating THE VOC DOC™.

Charles originaly qualified in Sports Therapy, and then trained in Laryngeal Manipulation and Manual Therapy Techniques with Jacob Lieberman, in Hamburg Germany back in 2012.

Since then, Charles has been hired by many voice related organisations as a speaker, consultant and trainer in relation to this therapy; including the British Voice Association, The Voice Council, NHS Voice Clinics and a number of Private Speech & Language Therapists.

Charles is highly regarded in relation to his work with high profile and professional voice users as well as those with voice and swallowing disorders.

TESTIMONIALS

Gary Barlow - Take That

"I really feel the benefit of regular vocal massage with Charlie, in helping to manage and reduce the effects that intense periods of singing and performing have on the voice; especially during tour rehearsals and a very busy tour schedule"

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Kim Chandler - High Profile Vocal Coach

"Such is my faith in Charlie, that I recently arranged for him to provide LMT to a high-profile artist I coach as routine vocal maintenance in the midst of an arena tour. Charlie was highly professional, proficient, knowledgeable and made everyone feel very at ease."

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Joe Dolman - Singer Songwriter

"I started seeing Charlie a few months back to take care of some throat problems Ive had over the years from over-working, bad singing technique when I started out and not enough rest between tours/studio. Safe to say that Charlie has helped me out and I've never felt healthier. 100% recommend him.

It's not something I thought I needed until I saw the differences he's made for me."

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Kay Moorcroft - Singer

''After getting vocal paresis and muscle tension dysphonia I was really in the dark about where to get help and ended up stumbling across a few painful alternatives until finding Charles Ward. He has literally changed my voice back to were I never thought possible!

Charles is very welcoming and understanding of each and any issue you have and explains every step along the way to help put your mind at ease. His knowledge is overwhelming and I have recommended him to all of my vocal students and musician friends.

I really do owe my career to his help! Thank you so much!’'

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Liam Doyle - Musical Theatre Performer

"As a Musical theatre Performer, Looking after my voice is of the utmost importance. Performing 8 shows a week is very demanding and can sometimes leave your voice feeling tight and sore. Being able to see Charles for a vocal massage can be the difference between getting through a week or not.

The sessions are pain free and the benefits are immeasurable. After my session my voice feels refreshed and relaxed and ready to take on whatever vocal demands that are ahead of me"

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Professional Singer

"Thanks so much for today. I can't believe the difference. Even small things like swallowing and yawning. I'll definitely be booking in again. It was so helpful and your were so friendly... it really put me at ease'

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Georgina Mason - Singer and Vocal Coach

"I booked in for my first session with Charlie just to try out laryngeal therapy from a professional perspective. I’m a singer and vocal coach and always like to try things out before I recommend anyone.

I was very pleasantly surprised! The therapy itself was quite relaxing and even immediately after the session my vocal range was much freer. Charlie is very personable and made me feel comfortable.

I’ve had my second session today, which was perhaps a little more intensive than the first but I can definitely feel the difference in my jaw, tongue and neck muscles. It all feels much more free and the top of my range was accessed much more easily when singing this afternoon.

I will definitely make this part of my vocal health programme from now on. Thanks Charlie."

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Tilly Clark (Singer)

"As a singer who suffers from muscle tension around the neck and tongue area, I find the laryngeal therapy sessions that Charlie offers very beneficial and can feel an instant difference which makes me feel more comfortable and in control when singing. Thank you!"

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CLARE - NHS SLT

I was very impressed with the laryngeal massage and your approach and after care self massage advice. I have been singing your praises to my Speech and Language Therapy colleagues. It has really made a difference for my muscle tension dysphonia and I felt in very safe hands. I rarely write reviews but felt compelled to do so after such a positive experience!

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R. Parmer

Fantastic niche service. Charlie puts 110% into his work and goes above and beyond to help me progress with my vocal journey after having surgery. He’s an expert in his field and I trust him with my vocal massages. He’s helped me a lot with my recovery, so I would highly recommend the services offered! Thanks again!

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L. Hobley

“I would highly recommend Charlie. He was extremely welcoming and put my 16 year old daughter at complete ease as he assessed the issue with her jaw (she is a singer and Charlie was recommended to us by her singing teacher). He then recommended and carried out some treatment, which he explained at each stage so she knew exactly what was happening, and then finished up with showing her some simple exercises to help treat herself going forward. She has not experienced any further issues since. Thanks so much Charlie!”

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SESSION COSTS

The following prices are for appointments at our Clinic in Warwickshire only.

Please note that all 'Off-Site' visits and sessions will incur additional travel costs, which will be discussed and agreed prior to your session. We also offer video call consultations and appointments where we can guide you through some self help techniques in an emergency situation, or where an offsite session is not possible or convenient. Please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements.