Part 1- I'm a Singer and Vocal Coach and I have a tongue tie.
If you are a singer with a tongue tie and would like to chat about it some more, please reach out!
Video 1: Introduction and Initial Realization
Hi there,
If we haven't come into contact before, my name's Gemma Milburn. I'm a singer and a vocal coach based in the UK (if you can't tell by my accent). This video, and potential video series, is going in a direction I didn't expect. I'm a bit lost for words because I'm here to document a personal journey that I think will also be relevant to people watching my content and potential singers and other people out there.
So, basically, I'm 38, I've been singing my whole life—probably since I was three—and a vocal coach for 13 years. Recently, I discovered that I might have a tongue tie. It's not 100% certain yet, but I strongly believe it.
For those who don't know, a tongue tie means that part of your tongue is tethered down. There are different types: anterior (tied at the front) and posterior (tied at the back). I think I have a posterior tongue tie, which isn't as visible because it's the back of my tongue that's tethered.
My vocal coach noticed something unusual about my tongue and suggested the possibility of a tongue tie. She has one herself and has done some research on it. After asking me a series of questions and getting me to do some tongue exercises, it became clear that I might have a tongue tie.
What does it mean? If your tongue can't move as much as it's supposed to, it will cause some issues. As a singer, I'm curious about how my voice might change with treatment. I've always felt that singing is harder for me than it is for others. I can do bits, but when I have to join the bits together, it suddenly gets really hard. I'm joking that I'll be the next Whitney Houston after this!
I've also had random aches in my throat for about 15 years, which might be linked to the tongue tie. Additionally, I have an overbite and performance anxiety that might be related to this condition. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help others who might be going through the same thing.
I'm seeing my dentist today to get a diagnosis, and I've spoken to a private clinic that specializes in tongue ties. Step one is getting a diagnosis, and then I'll learn more about what this means and what needs to happen next. I'll keep you updated as I go through this process. Thanks for watching!
Video 2: Post-Diagnosis Reflection
Hi folks,
This is a very delayed second installment of my video diary about my tongue tie journey. First, I watched the first video back and kept using the word "diarize," which isn't a word. So, I will be documenting my tongue tie journey instead.
The day I recorded that video, I went to see my dentist. I had called ahead to ask if they knew anything about tongue ties, and they said yes. But after my visit, I realized that most regular dentists don't specialize in tongue ties. My dentist was uncertain and skeptical about posterior tongue ties. However, my research suggests that they do exist and are recognized by specialists.
So, moral of the story, you need to find a tongue tie specialist if you want an affirmative diagnosis. Regular family dentists are amazing for teeth and gums, but not for diagnosing tongue ties.
I confirmed that I do have a tongue tie after seeing a specialist. My tongue is tied in the middle and posterior part, so the front part isn't tied, but the rest is. Knowing this for certain is oddly reassuring because I can now take steps to get treatment.
I've learned that you need to do myofunctional therapy first, which involves training your tongue. It's a big muscle that hasn't moved properly for your whole life, so you need to develop strength and coordination before they release the tongue tie. This therapy continues after the release as well.
I'm still deciding which practitioner to work with, preferably one who specializes in working with singers. I'm also looking into potential funding for this treatment, which I'll update you on in my next video.
Since learning about my own tongue tie, I've incorporated a tongue assessment into my initial sessions with all new clients. In the last two months, I've found five suspected tongue ties! It's more common than we might think.
In my next video, I'll share the outcome of my assessment with the specialist dentist, my treatment plan, and whether I get any funding. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or are interested in my journey: gemma@gemmamilburn.com
Bye for now!
These transcripts capture the essence of my journey and the process of discovering and addressing my tongue tie. I hope they provide valuable insight and help others who might be experiencing similar challenges.
You can watch the rest of this series here:
