The reason I gave him is: because, even when your medications are providing improvement in motor symptoms, and even when your voice symptoms related to Parkinson's are mild, without the continued daily practice, Parkinson's sneaking around in the background, will change the way your muscles are working, and eventually cause the familiar symptoms of: weak voice, monotone speech, reduced facial expression, etc.
So, more and more with patients, I have begun to emphasize the idea of daily voice "practice" v/s exercise. When I discuss "practice", I think of voice strengthening or improvement much in the same way I think of practicing an instrument, a sport ,or daily yoga and meditation. When we "practice" something in this way, it is usually towards developing a greater skill level, and often the practice becomes a part of a daily routine.
Integrating voice practice into activities of daily living provides more opportunities for skill development through repetition, and may be a quicker way to establish a daily habit.
Why not sit on the edge of the bed before getting up in the morning. If you have a mirror, you will be able to check your posture. Perform your first vocal warm-ups from your Voice Aerobics Songbirds CD, or your vocal glides from the LSVT, if you are currently enrolled in therapy.
Pairing your voice exercises with morning stretches may reduce stiffness in your body, and improve breathing, and voice. And, like brushing your teeth, you will have started a new morning routine!
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| Start your first vocal warm-up "mwah" from your Voice Aerobics Songbirds CD. Rotate your arms and trunk to the side and let the energy of your voice guide the movement. Nothing should ever hurt. Move to the extent that your body allows. |
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| Start your first set of vocal glides . As you glide up, vocalizing an "ah" arms reach over head for a stretch. Return to a starting position as you glide down. Repeat 5 times |
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| Sit up straight. Inhale and feel your rib cage expand, than exhale through pursed lips as your arms open to a stretch to the side. Breathe naturally and hold the stretch for one second. Repeat 5 times |
