10 Tips for Muscle Tension Dysphonia Treatment: A Success Story

[@healthyvoicetips]

Thank you for watching. If you want to share your story, please share in the comments below!

[@lyndawilson3908]

Hi Katarina. I have laryngeal dystonia and cannot get my treatment at the moment due to C-19 restrictions. Would your methods such as self-massage, steaming etc. work for me? Thank you, Lynda. (I'm not a singer). Great videos! I love your voice too.

[@healthyvoicetips]

Sorry to hear about your troubles, Lynda. Unfortunately, not all methods will work for your specific problem. Steaming is good as a general vocal hygiene rule but will not solve your problem. Unfortunately, voice therapy exercises can sometimes help but not always. You can try them and see if they help.

[@wswhitmore]

I have been to 2 ENT specialists and 1 renowned voice institute. I tried several rounds of botox, including several sessions at the Mayo clinic (a long drive from my home). About a year ago, I had a surgical procedure to install silastic implants to help close my vocal chords, both sides, which helped somewhat with air, but not with the nasty vocal tone. ENT's cannot seem to decide if I have spasmodic or muscle tension dysphonia. My mother has the same condition, which started for her in her 50's as well and she tells me that one of my great aunts (a singer) had it too. Her docs called it unspecified dysphonia (which sounds made up). She has been down to basically a hoarse whisper for over 20 years. I have tried vocal exercises with straws on a daily basis for months, massaging my neck and throat areas regularly as indicated in many youtube videos. Pre-covid, I made extra money at speaking engagements and performance voiceovers. I cannot do any of that any more reducing my ability to earn :(. All of that to say, I do NOT feel hopeful. To Katarina or any of her followers with similar stories, please share ANY suggestions. Thanks!

[@Marcus-ec1qk]

Thank you for this video, and I'm looking forward to the next. After 22 years of teaching English, I lost my voice 3 years ago and couldn't work. Sadly, I panicked and took a manual job - but of course I wasn't fit enough, developed osteo-arthritis, and now have trouble walking! I tell people that my voice problems led to my arthritis and they can't believe it, but it's true! lol! Anyway, I'm now teaching part-time and my voice, and worrying about my voice, dominates my every waking hour. I suspect the cause is (1) bad dental work I had done 10 years ago that started me grinding my teeth (2) years of over-use and wrong use of my voice at work, and (3) becoming overweight (not helped by the arthritis). It's a cluster of problems but I'm now picking my way through them because I need my voice. This is going to take a whole lifestyle change, no least, as your video mentions, spiritually and emotionally. Thank you and thank the person whose story you shared.

[@AlexDelfont]

Please read Dr John Sarno's book, start with the Mind Body Prescription, your voice and arthritis issues he would say are TMS. Just look it up on amazon, read the reviews

[@healthyvoicetips]

I am sorry to hear about your problems. Have you talked to any voice specialists about your problem? You haven't mention any voice assessment or treatment.

[@healthyvoicetips]

Alex, thank you for sharing.

[@Marcus-ec1qk]

Yes, I live in Japan and went to a few voice specialists here. I've had the camera down my throat a few times, and a scan, and a short course of vocal training, but the doctors tell me there is nothing they can do. I can hardly speak, it has had a terrible impact on my life, and as I only work part-time because of it, it is now difficult to afford to go back to see another doctor (Japanese health insurance does not cover the full costs). So yes, this is down to me, and your videos and advice are very useful. Thank you.

[@rostone24]

Thank you for posting this Katarina! Your videos are truly inspirational. I normally don’t comment on KZbin videos but I wanted to say thank you!

[@healthyvoicetips]

Thank you! I really appreciate your comment, knowing that you don't do that often. I am very happy that you found the video inspirational.

[@elizamitre6828]

Thank you so much for sharing this story. I have been under a lot of stress and I didn't realize that it was affecting me until i got to this point, it is very hard for me to have a conversation. I love to sing for GOD and i love to talk with people but i have been struggling alot it. I identified a lot with this story, it seems that you were telling my story, only that right now I am in the process of recovering, it is very difficult but not impossible, thank GOD I found your videos and I have been doing the exercises you recommend. Thank you Katarina.

[@nani9197]

I'm going through the same youre going through. I hope you're better and I wish you the best

[@healthyvoicetips]

I hope you are doing better and you found good solutions for your voice problems.

[@TunesAndToys]

how are you now?

[@TunesAndToys]

@@nani9197 how are you now?

[@theswcoaching]

I hadn't heard of muscle tension dysphonia. Thanks for sharing this.

[@healthyvoicetips]

Thank you for stopping by!

[@ExpatEssentialsForItaly]

Great video format - providing tips combined with a success story. Trusting your instincts when something just doesn't feel right is so important for taking action. Nice bonus tip. Great video.

[@healthyvoicetips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheRealEstateInformant]

Your video will help better the lives of many people. Thank you for all that you do :)

[@healthyvoicetips]

Wow! What a lovely comment! Thank you.

[@AditiGuha]

This was so informative. Very rich and easy to grasp. I didn’t know about this phenomenon but I couldn’t stop watching :)

[@healthyvoicetips]

Oh, I am so happy the story kept you going!

[@patricklake6949]

This video has been extremely helpful in understanding my own voice issue. I can relate to a number of points Kimberley experienced which I have also witnessed and I will certainly persevere especially after watching this inspirational video on MTD. Many thanks, Patrick

[@healthyvoicetips]

I am happy to hear that the story inspired you.

[@valerie963]

Thank you for sharing her story with us. I too suffer from vocal muscle tension and have since my vocal nodules were cleared by the ENT. It’s been about a year and a half but day by day it’s a tough journey, yet some days get good and others bad. Are you able to share what sort of physical therapists she’s seen? I’ve seen one for TMJ and I may need to go back to visit them for additional treatments. This is definitely something I’ll look more in to. I’d love to share my story with you some day too. Never know who it may help!

[@healthyvoicetips]

Hi Valerie, I am sorry to hear about your troubled journey. Yes, some days are better than others. I don't have details about Kimberly's physical therapy but I can certainly ask. But I think she was lucky and found a physio who did some exercises and myofascial release of neck, shoulders, head and chest (in the video, I actually mispronounced the word "myofascial" - I said "myofacial" - oops). Look into that - it is really effective for many people.

[@valerie963]

Katarina H. Absolutely! I’m going to contact my PT place on Monday. I continue with cupping and multiple vocal as well as muscle releases. Your channel has definitely helped me out! Please let me know if you’d ever like another story. Thank you for all you do 🙏🏻

[@elizabethkhouri3366]

There are very good vocal therapists who work with the ENTs at the Bastian Voice Institute in the Chicago land area. These are the official doctors of the Chicago Lyric Opera

[@itsjen94]

@@valerie963 hey how are you feeling now, did you get rid of your muscle tension dysphonia & how long did it take?

[@TunesAndToys]

how are you now?

[@elizabethkhouri3366]

I won my battle with MTD a year ago and it took four years to overcome

[@healthyvoicetips]

Congratulations! That is awesome!!!

[@elizabethkhouri3366]

@@healthyvoicetips thank you!

[@healthyvoicetips]

❤

[@shayan7656]

Sis can you explain me how did you overcome pls

[@particleguy2066]

Can you PLEASE share some details?? I've been struggling for years

[@debbiethompsoncoaching]

Very good information about muscle tension dysphonia. Thank you!

[@healthyvoicetips]

My pleasure!

[@YesToTech]

Loved your tips for muscle tension!! really helpful!

[@healthyvoicetips]

Thank you for your lovely comment.

[@annewood6447]

Hi Katarina, I have been working with your video's for months and they really help. I finally, after six years, summoned the courage to go to an ENT doctor. I was ashamed because I am a professional singer and voice teacher so I tried to hide as much as I could. I did have to stop singing for a while. Can you address spasmodic dysphonia, which I have been told that I have? Thank you especially for the very kind video about not being ashamed about these issues. I am getting braver!

[@healthyvoicetips]

There is nothing to be ashamed of! You are who you are and you did not cause any vocal issues, especially when it comes to spasmodic dysphonia. You did not cause it! I don't think I will make a video on this topic as this is not my expertise though. I hope that your doctor is able to connect you to a voice therapist who can help you.

[@TunesAndToys]

how are you now?

[@yatrilawyer9078]

Hi Katrina, This is sam from India. I am a lawyer and 2 yr back was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia. My career destroyed with my voice. I am glad to see your video on this disorder about which people rarely know. U can understand my suffering me being a lawyer. Following u and your advice. Pls do suggest any specific exercise/advice if possible for me. Regards

[@elizabethkhouri3366]

Any vocal exercises with humming or singing though a straw is good

[@yatrilawyer9078]

@@elizabethkhouri3366 thanks a ton🙏

[@elizabethkhouri3366]

@@yatrilawyer9078 you’re welcome

[@healthyvoicetips]

Yatri, you can try straw exercises to see if they help but spasmodic dysphonia is very different from muscle tension dysphonia. What did your doctor suggest?

[@yatrilawyer9078]

@@healthyvoicetips he said either go for voice therapy, do humming or last option Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections (Botox®) every three months. What u suggest.

[@RemainForeverHealthy]

Wow some story. Thanks for explaining about muscle tension

[@healthyvoicetips]

I am glad you found the story interesting! Wow is the right word.

[@RemainForeverHealthy]

Katarina H. I posted new video

[@zeprofezzor]

Hello, thank you for making these videos! Is it possible to have MTD go undetected even with a stroboscopic exam?

[@healthyvoicetips]

Hi Shred, A laryngologist could be able to give a good diagnosis, don't worry.

[@keke97]

Thank you so much, I am struggling with this MTD.. I am also being seen at Vanderbilt and it’s very frustrating as the process is long😩

[@healthyvoicetips]

I hear you! The process can be tedious and long.

[@TunesAndToys]

how are you now?

[@ReginasVoices]

This is so interesting and insightful! I have never heard of this condition and I sing🤷🏾‍♀️ Thank You for your expertise 👏🏾👍🏾

[@wendyannh]

I hope you never develop it.To say it’s no fun would be an understatement.

[@healthyvoicetips]

Thank you for stopping by, Regina.

[@healthyvoicetips]

It sounds like you know what I am talking about, @wendyannh

[@wendyannh]

Katarina H. I do indeed. It’s gotten a little better, and I can sing a wee bit now, but no way could I rejoin the choir. Even talking more than a bit still hurts. I need to really get on top of my voice therapy.

[@ronleccese8678]

Katerina is the bomb.💖

[@healthyvoicetips]

Wow! Thank you for the compliment! And the heart.

[@vjcarter4657]

Oh my gosh, sounds like me, lungs, stomach, ENT (negative)… doing speech therapy now

[@roshnigurung7722]

How’s it going ?? Did you have dysphagia too ??

[@NourInTheKitchen]

This was so interesting, I had never heard of this before!

[@healthyvoicetips]

I would say that that is great. It means no tension. Thank you for stopping by.

[@RazYogi395]

Is there any similarities between muscles tension dysphonia and stuttering

[@healthyvoicetips]

I would say they are very different.

[@shyladhananjaya4599]

Thank you mam

[@healthyvoicetips]

You are welcome!

[@RachelSmets]

Never heard of it, great story!

[@healthyvoicetips]

Yes, it is a remarkable story.

[@tapangasoul6928]

Can it ever go back to the way your voice was before it happened?

[@healthyvoicetips]

It's a life-style change but yes, it can.

[@muhammadalia1340]

Iam from India suffering muscle tension dysphonia. Moreover Iam a teacher. Can I overcome this by exercise only?.... Expecting your advice......

[@healthyvoicetips]

Ad you noticed in the video, there are several steps/components to a successful approach to MTD. Exercises are just one of them.

[@trishapaulofficial9372]

Where have u diagnosed?

[@rojoratatatata4002]

The best way is to see a ENT or a vocal pathologist, they have to do a vocal massage for over 40 minutes and it can REALLY restore your voice back, dont try to heal it on your own

[@JamieRiene]

This is super interesting, I had no idea.

[@healthyvoicetips]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for checking out the video.

[@rebornlove1324]

Thanks for this video!! I didn't know this was a thing. How can I know if I have this problem or if something else is causing problems for my singing? I’ve found that my voice gives out very easily. One difficult song can leave my voice breathy and weak. It goes away quickly(just a few minutes) but it’s frustrating. I know that I'm straining but I hear of singers that can sing super difficult songs without any proper training. I know training is important and I'm finding a good fit for me because the teacher I had wasn't a match for me,but I don't know if my problems are normal for beginners, if it's acid reflux(which I was born with since I have a hernia in my esophagus) or if I have any other problems. It can be quite frustrating. I'm very short for my age(4 feet 8 or 9 inches tall in my 20s-for reference that's the size of about a 10/12 year old) so while I'm not expecting to perfectly belt out difficult broadway songs(which is the genre that I like) but, like I said, there are a lot of songs that tire my voice out after only singing it once, and I'm supposed to be able to reach the notes. Because of my height, my voice is also very high, I would say even childlike, and there are songs that even though they don't sound high I can't sing them without my voice suffering. I just always have tension. I even feel tension after speaking for a while. I try to get rid of that tension but I simply can't. What would you suggest?

[@healthyvoicetips]

Hi, thank you for sharing your vocal issue. I think that what you are describing falls within "normal" problems that beginner singers deal with. Singing high notes is a skill and even though some people can do it without proper training, it is still a skill that can be learned. I would be more concerned about you mentioning that you feel tension after speaking for a while. It seems that it is a technique issue whether it is your singing or speaking voice. I am glad that you have a singing teacher who can help you sing those high notes with good technique and believe me, you don't need to be tall and big to belt big notes. On the opposite, high notes come from small spaces. But as a beginner, be patient but let your teacher know about you getting tired easily and how your throat feels. Also, building stamina is part of good vocal training. The more regularly you practice, the more stamina you will get. Singing is an athletic activity requiring your whole body. Without using larger muscles of the body, the tiny little muscles in the larynx would be overwhelmed pretty easily. Finally, here is my last thought - you will never know what is really happening in your throat, unless you are properly assessed. So if you noticed any voice changes that last for more than 2 weeks, or if you are really concerned, then I would suggest that you go and visit a voice specialist. I wish you all the best.

[@clintwillis5198]

Thank you! Question: Did she consult a physiotherapist, a physical therapist, or both?

[@healthyvoicetips]

That is an excellent question! I should have made it more clear in the video. The answer is both.

[@wendyannh]

What’s the difference? I have always thought that “physiotherapist” was the British English word for “physical therapist” that we use here in the US.

[@CarolMould]

A really interesting video - thanks

[@healthyvoicetips]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@alinowak2619]

Yoga is great. I do it 4 times a week

[@healthyvoicetips]

Yes, many people find yoga helpful for various reasons.

[@wendyannh]

Has it helped your voice? Which asanas do you find most helpful for the voice?

[@alinowak2619]

Had no idea muscle tension can get so bad. Good tips too

[@healthyvoicetips]

Unfortunately, for some people muscle tension can severely affect their voice.

[@elizabethkhouri3366]

My doctors and speech therapists say that some people loose the movement in the vocal chords almost completely, BUT it’s always treatable

[@RODZACABOCATUBAY]

Mam in my problem do you have and i idea if i had an a MTD?because when i sing specially in a high notes i fell in my neck that there is so many tension and always tight that why my voice always tired,,,,plss help me

[@healthyvoicetips]

I don't know you so I cannot tell you for sure. But if you feel tightness only when singing, that is most likely not MTD. People who have MTD have problems talking, not just singing.

[@RODZACABOCATUBAY]

@@healthyvoicetips if it is not a MTD mam so its my technique was the problem,,,

[@TheGoodGoodMan]

Thanks

[@healthyvoicetips]

🙏

[@Alexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx87]

Can mtd cause a feeling of phlegm in the throat?

[@healthyvoicetips]

Yes, it can.

[@Alexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx87]

@@healthyvoicetips ok good.. i thought it was something else. Im doing massages with a vibrator from amazon. Thanks

[@TunesAndToys]

did you have MTD? how are you now?

[@sadhanarane4796]

So true🙏

[@healthyvoicetips]

I am glad you agree!

[@m26498130]

Sounds very similar with my experience. I was diagnosed with MTD in 2008, endured 7 ENT surgeries yielded no significant results. Consulted at least 5 vocal coaches, and countless different exercises. Everytime i found an exercise that i thought works well, i immediately recorded my voice to assess and there goes the same dream crusher. Anyway thanks for sharing. Ps. I sent you an email a week ago. Hopefully you are able to respond. Thank you

[@healthyvoicetips]

Hi Victor, yes, I got your email. I am sorry to hear about your story. It seems like you are still looking for solutions.

[@elizabethkhouri3366]

It takes more then just one vocal exercise to cure MTD. I took me four years to overcome

[@babydollbloggers1905]

How long does it take to be cute..I m diagonise with spastic dysponia

[@TunesAndToys]

how are you now?

[@TunesAndToys]

@@elizabethkhouri3366 how'd you cure it?

[@passportkaya]

Can MTD kill someone?