Effect of Manual Therapy on Voice and Swallowing After Thyroid Surgery
Official title: Impact of Manual Therapy on Laryngeal Function Following Total Thyroidectomy
Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT06383091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special voice therapy program with neck massage and exercises can help people who have voice and swallowing problems after thyroid surgery feel better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 3, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06383091 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are native English speakers and scheduled for total thyroidectomy due to malignant or benign thyroid disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have previously completed voice therapy, have significant vocal fold pathology, or other specific medical histories may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a comprehensive voice therapy program that includes neck massage, stretches, and pain science education, alongside traditional voice exercises and scar massage, for patients experiencing voice and swallowing changes after total thyroidectomy. The study aims to determine if these additional therapies can alleviate complaints related to swallowing, voice quality, and scar tethering, as well as improve overall quality of life. Participants will attend four visits with their endocrine or laryngology specialists to receive the interventions and assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve voice and swallowing function, enhancing the quality of life for patients post-thyroidectomy.
How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination of manual therapy and education in the context of post-thyroidectomy recovery is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The study population consists of individuals with malignant or benign thyroid disease scheduled to undergo total thyroidectomy * native speakers of English * All patients will be greater than or equal to 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Participants will be excluded if they have completed voice therapy prior * are current smokers * have organic vocal fold pathology or clear mucosal changes to the vocal folds that can affect vibration (e.g., vocal fold scar, polyp, or nodules), * pre-existing unilateral or bilateral vocal fold paralysis * have had prior surgical neck or chest history including central or lateral neck dissection * pre- or post-operative abscess or inflammation * have a history of head, neck, or chest radiation, diagnosed baseline oral or pharyngeal dysphagia * have recently started taking in the last 3 months, plan to start taking or increase the level of testosterone during the treatment period * greater than 10% otherwise unexplained weight loss * had a recent aspiration pneumonia
Where it's running
-
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
Suburban Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vaninder Dhillon, MD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Claire W Ligon, M.Ed.
- Email: Cligon4@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 434-390-6387
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Using PTeye to help protect parathyroid glands during total thyroidectomy
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.