Welcome to our newsletter series: ‘Meet the Speaker’ where we’ll be interviewing members of our speaker line-up for Therapy Expo 2025. It’s a chance to get to know the experts behind all the real insights, experience, and guidance presented at the show.  

This week, we’ll be meeting Emma Hayes, Sports & Vocal Massage Therapist from Spotlight Massage & Recovery…

 

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in vocal massage?

I started my career as a sports massage therapist with a love for the performing arts. I grew up as a dancer, being involved in performing arts since I was 3 years old, so it has always been a massive part of my life, and I knew I wanted to incorporate this into my work. After my undergraduate degree in Sport & Exercise Science from Nottingham Trent University, I progressed onto my master’s degree in Performing Arts Medicine at UCL. On this MSc, I studied vocal anatomy (which I found rather complicated at first!) which led me to wanting to learn more, which is when I studied vocal massage. 

I now have my own clinic space in Nottinghamshire, and I also have the pleasure of working at The Royal Ballet & Opera, and as part of the Advance Physio team at Performers College in Birmingham and Essex where I offer both sports and vocal massage. I’ve had some amazing opportunities, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of my career takes me!

 

What’s the focus of your presentation at this year’s conference, and why is this topic important right now?

The main focus for my presentation this year is actually linked to what I’ve seen in clinic, which a study in the Journal of Voice (C.Kenny, 2022) has discussed too. Since COVID, many office jobs have introduced remote work/working from home, whether full-time or part-time, which has had an impact on people’s vocal health. In this study, it was found that around a third of remote workers reported vocal issues such as muscle tension dysphonia (excessive tightness around the larynx) as well as pain and discomfort in their vocal tract. As many jobs are now remote, with numerous virtual meetings being a part of this, this is something I will definitely focus on for this year's presentation. I will be talking about how and why this happens, as well as how to help clients (& ourselves!) with this.

 

What’s one thing you hope attendees will take away from your session?

I hope attendees will learn that vocal massage is so much more than just direct larynx work for singers. It is great for singers of course, however vocal massage encompasses a wide range of techniques that can help so many clients. I have worked with clients that have been referred by an ENT specialist navigating a new diagnosis, those who have restrictions in the vocal muscles that starts to affect their work and daily life, as well as clients who come to see me for general maintenance sessions to keep on top of their vocal health - there’s such a range of clients that benefit from this type of treatment.

 

What’s one misconception about vocal massage you often encounter, and how do you address it?

That it’s painful! So many of my clients will book in with me for their first vocal massage session and will often be worried about the pain. The most important fact about vocal massage is that it is not meant to be painful! It’s important to acknowledge that people may have had a bad experience prior to seeing me for a session, but I like to make this as clear as I possibly can. When people rely on their voice capabilities for their career, it can often be quite daunting for people to trust someone else to help their voice, similarly if a client with restricted movement may be nervous or apprehensive about visiting a physiotherapist. So, I like to clearly communicate with clients what the session will be like, and that they can let me know if anything feels too uncomfortable for them, then I can adjust my techniques to suit them best. 

 

How do you continue learning and evolving in your practice?

I think CPD and courses are great for gaining extra knowledge, but one thing I love to do is learn from my clients and other professionals in the field. Building rapport with clients has allowed me to tailor their treatment to their needs and preferences, and having the opportunity to network with other professionals has been invaluable for me, as we can share knowledge and insights about the work we do. I also like to recap courses I have done and keep up to date with current research which puts me in a great position to be able to help clients. 

 

What do you enjoy most about working in this field?

One of my favourite parts of this career is how rewarding it can be, and having the privilege to meet and help so many clients from different backgrounds and careers, and getting to see the improvement in people. Often with vocal massage sessions, I will see the clients' confidence levels improve, they may also share with me that their anxiety and stress levels have improved, and it is such a good feeling knowing that I have managed to help them with this. I also love how we can never stop learning with careers in this field, there's always more we can learn and research to understand our bodies and help others.

 

Outside of work, how do you like to unwind or recharge?

When I’m not massaging, I’m a dancer and aerialist - so a lot of my spare time is spent on an aerial hoop spinning upside down! I have been taking part in aerial hoop classes since 2021, and I am now an instructor at my local studio "Mission Studios" in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire which I am so grateful for. I love to perform when I get the chance at showcases and competitions. As well as aerial, I take ballet classes and like to keep on top of general fitness by running and strength training at the gym. I have recently noticed I don't have many relaxing/chilled hobbies, but I also love to bake on the weekends!

 

Don’t miss Emma’s session at Therapy Expo, 26-27 November 2025 at NEC, Birmingham. Register now to secure your free pass.