A Holistic Approach to Evaluating and Treating EI-PVFM with Sharon D. Frank

Guest: Sharon D. Frank, MA, CCC-SLP - This course features an introduction to a holistic approach to treating Exercise-Induced Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (EI-PVFM), which is a complex upper airway disorder that occurs in some athletes and is often misdiagnosed as exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Sharon first discusses the nature of EI-PVFM, its signs and symptoms, and how it differentiates from EIA. She then gives an overview of Buteyko breathing principles and compares them to traditional therapy methods. Finally, she describes the four components of a holistic treatment approach, the rationale, and benefits for using this approach, and shares some preliminary pre- and post-therapy data outcomes measures.