The Operatic Physio

MSK Physiotherapist & Vocal Coach

Nikhil Samuel - The Operatic Physio

My Background

I am a qualified physiotherapist with extensive experience working in musculoskeletal health, breathing mechanics, posture, and movement rehabilitation. I currently practise as a senior physiotherapist, supporting people to recover from pain, manage physical stress, and optimise how their bodies function under load.

Alongside my clinical work, I am a trained opera singer with years of experience performing and studying voice at a high level. This dual background gives me a unique understanding of the physical demands placed on singers and professional voice users — not only from a clinical perspective, but from lived experience.

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Physiotherapy for Singers & Performers

My work focuses on supporting singers and performers through physiotherapy-led assessment and movement-based coaching, addressing areas such as:

• Posture and alignment for efficient voice use

• Breathing mechanics and ribcage mobility

• Neck, jaw (TMJ), shoulder and upper back tension

• Physical fatigue, overload, and performance-related pain

• Body awareness and movement efficiency on and off stage

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Voice-Informed Coaching (from a Physiotherapist’s Perspective)

While I am not currently practising as a vocal physiotherapist or speech and language therapist, my training and experience as a singer allow me to offer voice-informed coaching grounded in anatomy, movement, and breath.

This approach is designed to complement — not replace — vocal tuition. I help singers better understand how their bodies support the voice, reduce unnecessary physical tension, and build sustainable habits that protect vocal health over time.

My aim is to bridge the gap between the singing studio and the body, empowering performers to move, breathe, and sing with greater ease and confidence.

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My Philosophy

I believe the voice does not exist in isolation — it is shaped by the whole body, the nervous system, and the physical demands of performance. By combining physiotherapy principles with an insider’s understanding of singing, I support performers to care for their most important instrument: themselves.