Recovery after significant illness or surgery

This is some general guidance for voice users who are recovering from illness that is not necessarily voice-related but has an impact on the whole body.

Firstly, remember that everyone is different; your journey is unique to you and your response to ongoing treatments will be individual. You know your own body, don’t do anything that hurts or makes you too tired, but if you can manage small amounts - try it out and gradually increase the voice use.

Your voice will have changed, don’t expect your old voice back exactly as it was. Once you’ve accepted the difference (sometimes it’s like a grieving process – so give it time), you can explore the possibilities rather than be disappointed by the limitations.

Your body may feel different; if you’ve had surgery, it may be asymmetrical in how it functions. Humans are amazing at adapting in the short term and the longer term. Think longer term if you can, as the short-term adaptations may not be the most useful ones in the longer term. If in doubt keep as flexible and mobile as you can while singing; then your body will work its way into more and more effective ways of working as time passes.

Breath management will improve, keep everything moving (wiggle hips, shoulders etc) and you’ll be working more efficiently.

Pitch range and stamina (including loudness) will also improve with vocal fitness and flexibility.

Mindset is everything with healing. Acknowledge and work with your strengths - they have got you through other challenges before, you can do this one too. Enjoy what you can do, even small amounts of creativity can lift the spirits. If it’s getting you down, leave it for another day and do something that gives you joy.

Keep a diary of progress, sometimes we forget how far we’ve come.

Talk to other people going through a similar thing, you’re not alone.