%0 Journal Article
%T Clinical Characteristics of Individuals Presenting to Physiotherapy for Voice and Throat Care: A Retrospective Case Notes Review.
%A Hockey K
%A Kennedy E
%J J Voice
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Feb 29
%M 38429117
%F 2.3
%R 10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.01.007
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Currently, little is known about the characteristics of individuals presenting for physiotherapy care with voice and throat problems.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>The aim of this study is to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals presenting to physiotherapy for voice and throat-related problems, and to use this information to clarify the role of physiotherapy in the management of people with voice and throat problems.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A retrospective clinical case notes review was conducted of all clients who accessed physiotherapy for voice and throat problems at a private practice based in Christchurch within a 12-month period from 1st October 2020 to 1st October 2021.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Data were analyzed from 53 patient charts. The typical profile of an individual accessing physiotherapy for voice and throat problems were female (n = 37), NZ European (n = 26), singer (n = 43), with chronic problems (n = 20), of a nontraumatic origin (n = 45). Voice problems were present in 39 cases and muscle-related problems were present in 42 cases. Treatment primarily included manual therapy and various modes of exercise therapy.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The clinical characteristics described offer insight into the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals accessing physiotherapy services for voice and throat problems. A high prevalence of muscle-related problems and wider issues were identified, consistent with the physiotherapy skill set. Physiotherapy appears to complement existing ENT or SLT services by identifying and managing muscle-related voice problems and addressing wider factors contributing to voice and throat problems.