WHEN THE JAW HOLDS THE PERFORMANCE: The jaw never works alone
The temporomandibular joint is functionally connected with several structures that are essential for voice production.
Mandibular position can influence the behavior of the tongue.
The tongue interacts with the hyoid.
The hyoid is mechanically related to the laryngeal complex.
The cervical spine provides part of the structural environment in which all of these systems operate.
Breathing adds another layer.
When jaw tension increases together with cervical and respiratory tension, the performer may begin using unnecessary muscular effort to accomplish a task that should remain highly adaptable.
This can contribute to:
reduced mandibular mobility
increased cervical muscle activity
altered tongue freedom
increased suprahyoid tension
reduced respiratory adaptability
increased perception of vocal effort
changes in articulation
fatigue across repeated takes
This is why treating the jaw as an isolated structure can miss the larger picture.
Valentina Carlile - Osteopath specializing in Osteopathy for Voice and Speech Disorders since 2002. For information and bookings, visit the Contact page.
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