Muscle tension dysphonia is a voice disorder that can cause a range of symptoms including hoarseness, vocal fatigue and difficulty in speaking. This condition is often caused by excessive or inappropriate use of the laryngeal muscles. Voice therapy is a treatment approach that can be effective for muscle tension dysphonia, says one of the best speech therapists in Kolkata.
In this blog, we will get to know some of the most commonly used voice therapy techniques for muscle tension dysphonia.
Causes and symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia
The main cause of muscle tension dysphonia is excessive or inappropriate muscle tension in the voice box. Some of the other causes include the following:
- Overuse or misuse of the vocal cords
- Emotional stress, anxiety or tension that leads to increased muscle tension in the neck and throat.
- Medical conditions that affect the vocal cords or the muscles that control them.
Whenever you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, it is important to seek voice treatment from a qualified speech-language pathologist. The symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia may include the following:
- Hoarseness or a rough voice.
- Vocal fatigue or a feeling of vocal strain.
- Difficulty speaking or singing for extended periods.
- A sensation of tightness or discomfort in the throat or neck.
- Pitch breaks or a limited vocal range.
- Voice breaks or sudden changes in pitch.
- The need to clear the throat frequently.
- A feeling of a lump in the throat
A speech therapist will examine your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options which include voice therapy.
Effective techniques for treating muscle tension dysphonia through voice therapy
Voice therapy is an effective voice treatment for muscle tension dysphonia that involves a range of techniques designed to reduce tension and strain in the vocal cords.
Relaxation exercises: Relaxation exercises are designed to reduce tension and stress in the neck and throat muscles. These exercises may include deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
Vocal function exercises: Vocal function exercises are designed to improve the coordination and control of the vocal cords. These exercises may include warm-up, stretch, contract and power exercises.
Biofeedback: Biofeedback involves using technology to provide real-time feedback on the tension and function of the vocal cords. This technique can help individuals to develop greater awareness of their vocal function.
Vocal hygiene: Vocal hygiene involves adopting healthy habits that promote good vocal health. These habits may include staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, speaking at a comfortable volume and taking breaks when speaking or singing for extended periods.
Accent method: This is another voice treatment, especially for singers and involves using specific vocal exercises to improve the voice quality and reduce tension in the throat muscles.
Conclusion
By consulting a trained speech-language pathologist, patients with muscle tension dysphonia can improve their voice quality and regain their ability to communicate effectively.
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