Effect of Manual Therapy on Voice and Swallowing After Thyroid Surgery
Impact of Manual Therapy on Laryngeal Function Following Total Thyroidectomy
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06383091 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination of manual therapy and education in the context of post-thyroidectomy recovery is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 radiation, chronic cervical pain or cervicalgia, abnormal baseline swallowing * have underlying and, or plan to change supplemental hormones * greater than 10% otherwise unexplained weight loss * had a recent aspiration pneumonia * history of esophageal interventions or surgeries
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.