Vocal Cord Dysfunction. "McKeon Method" - Alternative treatment technique

[@andritohari5781]

The person who leaves the dislike here is not aware of how thankful a man who has been suffering from the voice issue for more than 30 years wants to pass to this sincere speech therapist.

[@theprodigy112990]

I have suffered for over 5 years with chronic cough, throat irritation/gagging, and severe difficulty with breathing. I have seen 32 doctors and had every test in the book done. It had gotten to the point where the doctors told me I was wasting my money by seeking treatment. I finally found a speech therapist that stated I had vocal chord dysfunction and I did several weeks of treatment without much success. I ended finding this video and it changed everything. Matt basically said everything that my other speech therapist said, but in a different way that made sense to me and gave me a lot more body awareness. I was instantly able to breath better than I have in years, and I stopped coughing and gagging pretty much all together. Per Matt's recommendations, I will be taking this video to my speech therapist. I am confident that by using this method I will finally be free from years of suffering. Please do me a favor everyone. If you have been suffering with this and had a similar experience to me, tell your doctor about this in order to spread this information and prevent others from being ping ponged around to every doctor in the country.

[@stephaniefenelon]

I tell everyone about Matt, my ENT Consultant said it's excellent 👌

[@ousten_murh]

has you breathing problems gone?

[@Kallaste.]

You are amazing. There are all these videos on KZbin that are basically 3 minute advertisements of a technique, or else a brief description of the condition, but *you* have given us the entire treatment summary here, for nothing, just so that others can learn about your method and benefit from it. I'm still on my own diagnosis journey and not sure yet whether this condition is at the root of my own issues or not, but I have no doubt that many others will be helped by what you have done here (I may be one of them; if my laryngoscopy is positive, I'll definitely be trying it with an SLP). You deserve so much credit for this! Thank you.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thank you for taking the time to write this kind review. Just trying to do my part. Hope you find the answers you’re looking for.

[@sunshine4920]

Thank you so much. I saw my pulmonary/cardiovascular doctor today. I have been dealing with this issue for three or four years. I have been having increased anxiety. The doctor told me today that I have vocal cord disfunction. My anxiety is less just knowing what the problem is. This video has helped me. Thank you!

[@swallacegray2013]

I was able to walk on my lunch break without fatigue & trouble breathing, love this for myself, thanks again!

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Fantastic!

[@evanpennington1130]

HOLY after doing the 4th step my throat and neck felt looser than ever before I actually couldn’t stop laughing. THANK you so much man from the bottom of the heart I’ve had problems with throat and neck tension since puberty I was diagnosed at first with exercise induced asthma but inhalers never helped. I have trouble working because my throat gets tight at work and stays like that throughout the day causing terrible anxiety ! You’re the first I’ve seen to reveal some of these exercises without any need for payment thank you so much man I’m going to stick with these exercises. Ive got a lot of love for you keep helping people with this because it’s so much more debilitating than most people would think

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Very happy you didn’t give up in your search for answers and were able to find some relief. Take care!

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#Evanpennington have you been able to overcome the throat tightness?

[@evanpennington1130]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy i gave up continuing the practice, and i still do get from time to time especially when running. ill try before i go on a run and see what happens

[@evanpennington1130]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy I have actually had panic attacks and dpdr for years unrestful sleep because of constsnt anxirty and not knowing exactly why. But the other day I had a panic attack on a large dose of mushrooms that led me to realize it's all from my difficulty speaking and breathing from vocal chord dysfunction. I will continue this practice thanks for checking in with me

[@jaymills1720]

@@evanpennington1130 update ?

[@swallacegray2013]

I have a few months before I can get in for my therapy appt unfortunately, but I will def practice breathing better until I see the Dr. this is great info!

[@raphaelajungmichel7800]

tried your exercise the first time today and omg I cant remember the last time I felt so much air in my lungs. I'm diagnosed with VCD and felt helpless and I can only say I'm feeling much better after doing your exercises the first time. From now on, I'll practice every day. Thank you so much ♥️

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#RaphaelaJungmichel very happy to hear you no longer feel helpless…we are capable of more than we think we are! Please update your post if you continue to get better. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! Please subscribe as I may post case examples

[@REDROX9]

Hello From Germany. i work as a speechpathologist and it is always helpful to See what other therapists are doing...as i See an increase of patients with voice problems. Thank you.

[@charliecampos711]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for this video! I am a SLP myself, but was first introduced to the field after developing VCD back in high school as a teenage athlete. Gaining control over my VCD was absolutely life- changing, and while voice therapy is not my primary specialty, your method gives me greater confidence in supporting a family friend who also has VCD. Thank you!

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Your welcome! Thanks for what you do for others!

[@stephaniefenelon]

I keep sharing your video on our support group for larynogospasms, thanks again for your support

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

My pleasure! I continue to get very good results following this framework. The more people I treat the more “self-confidence” seems to play a leading role in reducing symptoms. I’m fairly certain learning to control your self expression through a well supported and “free” voice has a direct correlation with how confident you feel about yourself.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thank you for advocating for others!

[@dreamvex_5755]

Thank you for helping so many people including myself. I’m always tensing my muscle when I run out of breath and pushing that muscle out. Today is the first day I have felt normal and able to talk with my family without running out of breath so easily.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Dreamvex So happy to hear this! Hope your success continues! Thanks for commenting!

[@sawomirjasinski1898]

Hi, thank you for such a simple, complete , and useful material how to stop laringospasm. I had many night, and day spasm attacks - who had it knows how it looks like and how stressfull it is. There is no good diagonsis of this in Poland - a was treated for astma, and inhaled medications harmed me even more. I will try do these 4 simply methods, to make my life easier ! Thank YOU MATT for help ! As you see even after 4 years your movie still helps people from all over the world. Best ! Slawek

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

You're very welcome! Hope it helps!

[@kathymurphy5023]

Thank you, this seems to have done the trick! Sometimes it feels like my throat is going to close, then I concentrate on 'leaving the throat out of it' and the process is interrupted.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Great to hear!

[@yesuratnam5077]

Sir superb. In India this type of activities include yoga exercises.

[@suntzuwarsword1964]

Thank you so much your AWESOME 💯💯 diagnosed vcd.. i have bad gerd..barret's esophagus on 40mg nexium per day..sever vcd you sound like my singing teacher..when i was singing in bands years ago i never had a problem havent sang for years..now i almost choke till blackout from not being able to breath..its back to voice training..🙏🙏thank you

[@romeoasserot7093]

How’s your breathing now? Plz reply

[@shaunamartinez3461]

This is so helpful. I'm staying with a speech therapist in a week for VCD and just the belly breathing and reminder not to hold my breath but let it out if I don't need it to speak had helped greatly. Thank you! I was losing hope until I saw this.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Shauna Martinez I’m so happy this knowledge was beneficial! Glad your going to see a speech pathologist!

[@michaelcastellano4167]

Great video! Self-diagnosed vcd especially when public speaking. We need to educate the layperson on mind-body awareness. After doing the exercises once I already feel more “in the moment” and present within myself when I’m speaking (and it sounds clearer and firmer!). You are doing great work.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thank you Michael!

[@zinebazemat8102]

I don’t know how I can thank you for this amazing video. Your methods really helped my breathing and I’m already feeling better 🙌🙌

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

🙌 🙌. Zineb Azemat. Your feedback is thanks enough! Thanks for taking the time to do so. How long have you been experiencing symptoms? Did you try any other techniques?

[@joble5329]

I found this video while my vocal cord is tensing up, which was great timing

[@Mr_Lima_Bean]

I had a bit of a background with diaphragmatic breathing due to singing, so I gave it a whirl on my own. The VCD was very angry with me, but even as I hit the 12 minutes mark it's almost like I've defeated it for the first time. I'm going to repeat this over and over, I feel so hopeful now.

[@doyoulookup]

I surely hope the specialist my grand daughter sees is as good as you.

[@clararose1922]

I've been "diagnosed" rather in passing by my allergist after running me through asthma paces after telling him my struggles with not being able to jog or run without triggering an episode since I was a child. I didn't get around to doing the therapy. Wish I would have now with covid and the roller rinks closed I've taken to attempting to jog so now I have increased episodes, I don't think I ever learned how to breathe when I run if not maybe some anxiety trauma from forced mile runs in school. I think everyone just though I was just fat and out of shape was why I couldn't run well despite me struggling to breathe and run. Anyways I've found laying down helps trick the brain to relax everything combined with the pursed lip breathing during an episode for me. Obviously a clinic setting isn't always going to work for everyone, but if you are at home during an episode it helps. I think having allergies probably helped me with figuring out how to self handle episodes so they never phased me when my night allergies seemed worse. I think it was brought up to doctors ever so often as a kid to be told well maybe she has asthma to be bounced back to allergy to them saying no your lungs are fine endless cycle so I didn't bring it up to anyone for a very long time. Thank you for putting out this video it makes me hopeful that if I schedule the therapy I was prescribed I might be able to jog without struggling to breathe in the future.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Liz Mo your welcome! Thanks for watching! Glad your going to keep looking for relief.

[@romeoasserot7093]

Liz mo how’s your breathing now? Plz reply

[@jivaryal5739]

Thanks for your suggestion...

[@Lorib54]

Where’s the video that you mentioned about getting out of an episode?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

I’m sorry I do not have a video. Some people report “straw breathing” helps … can search videos for this and VCD. Or “rescue breaths” but best to consult a specialist.

[@operationdarthstorm6556]

I ran a full marathon in 3 hours 30 minutes this February, but this summer my "asthma" got much worse and yesterday I got diagnosed with VCD based off a spirometry report. I can barely even run now but am trying your exercises. In addition to exercises, what are the ways to minimize VCD behavior? I noticed I feel way better after things like hot showers, humidifiers, etc. Am very interested to hear since my first appointment with a speech therapist is in a month and I want to be proactive rather than just suffer a whole other month when life is already so short as it is. Thanks a lot, great video!

[@violetflame917]

Very very interesting. . . Makes so much sense about self acceptance and issues of the throat chaka

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

@Violet Flame Thank you so much for contributing to the “global pool of knowledge.” I’m no pro on chakras but virtually every voice client of mine reports feeling more confident within themselves. It’s never too late to understand how your voice works and “own it!”

[@tenorjosh]

Thank you so much for this information. I'm a voice teacher and one of my students has PVM. This is very helpful and coincides with singing vocal techniques we use everyday.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#Joshua Taylor Hamilton your welcome! Definitely! The expression of “our voice” can be so tricky and debilitating yet so beautiful and empowering! Thanks for watching, sharing, and doing your part to support our community! 🙏

[@tenorjosh]

@@wholisticspeechtherapyIf I have an issues is it possible to ask any questions in the future? This is a very interesting subject for me. Thank you again that was super helpful. I'm very specific about vocal safety so I want to study as much as possible so I can help others. I appreciate your time and your reply.

[@valerie963]

Can you get licensed in Florida?! This is an excellent video. I feel like I got some of these tips, not all, from my previous SLP visits over the last 4 years. None have gone to this length of detail though and I wish I could’ve shown them your video. I’m diagnosed with MTD with a light spasm but it’s taken me years of researching what’s worked for me and this video came in my feed as a sign! I know it’s not my vocal chords anymore with issues, it’s the muscles and breath control. I practiced the HEY and already feel some relief, so I have great hopes for practicing these all 2x a day as mentioned. Thank you for your time with this and please let us know once you’re licensed in Florida because I’d love to do online appointments!

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

You are very welcome Valerie! Glad you are going to keep working on it. I wish getting licensed in other states was easier… maybe I’ll look into FL 🤔

[@ASLTeachingResources]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

I love your videos also. Thanks for watching!

[@ASLTeachingResources]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy Thank you. I'm spending a week practicing your step one. Again, thanks for this post. After I watched yours, I didn't need to keep looking. Blessings!

[@meganp9107]

@@ASLTeachingResources if you remember, did it work?

[@ASLTeachingResources]

@@meganp9107 My condition got so bad that I struggled to breathe unless I was sitting still and not talking. Turns out I have tracheal stenosis. I was admitted to the ER and had immediate dilatation. I can finally breathe but will soon have to repeat that process again and possibly have surgery. So glad I know what I am facing now.

[@meganp9107]

@@ASLTeachingResources oh wow, I’m really sorry :( But yeah I’m glad you know now, and hopefully it won’t come back once treatment is over

[@JordanPringle]

So now we must talk with this abdomen push now? When I don't talk with it my larnx goes up and my throat hurts but when I just imagine "pushing my voice out only with the abdomen" my larnx doesn't even move and my throat feels... like I'm not...even using it

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#JordanPringle. Great body awareness! Most voice therapy is focused on how we start the sound. If we start well it’s likely to stay well. Start strained, likely to stay strained. Voicing/talking should feel easy, the vocal folds are just vibrating on the air coming up, no need to push from your throat. And then we just speak from our mouth to shape the sound we have created.

[@JordanPringle]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy Right, but now it feels like a complete work out talking becuase I feel like my core is doing all the work now. Is that supposed to be happening?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

@@JordanPringle that doesn’t sound right. Talking should feel easy all around.

[@robertmzs]

Wow, I'm so glad your video came up in my feed. I'm losing hope here and somehow, this vldeo popped up 🙏. My wife just recently started having shortness of breath due to this. One ENT diagnose her with spasmodic dysphonia, but it didn't match what she has. Her voice is fine and normal. Her main issue is that she spasms in her throat/vocal cords area, which looks very scary, but she's able to breath fine from she describes. It's just the uncontrollable spams. Anxiety and nervousness triggers the spams episodes more. But after seeing a 2nd ENT recently, she was diagnosed with paradoxical vocal cord motion disorder. So I'm really not sure where to lean on. Your video is the ONLY option that has provided some sort of treatment. But still unclear if the spams is normal with these diagnosis as both ENTs just shy away from it. 😢 Please help.. 🙏

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#ROB M. PVFM is the vocal folds closing or adducting when they should be abducted or remaining open when we breathe in. I believe a laryngeal spasm is different as a spasm may remain adducted making it difficult to breathe in until they relax. VCD is essentially a spasm that typically lasts for a short time and can be triggered by stress/anxiety. Some doctors may use VCD, laryngeal spasm, and PVFM interchangeably. But I don’t know PVFM to occur only with stress, I would expect it to be a constant issue. You might want to find a laryngologist (an ENT that specializes in the voice). An evaluation by a voice therapist (speech pathologist) would likely also be very helpful.

[@robertmzs]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy Thabk you so much for responding. 🙏 We haven’t had any luck with anyone so far. She controls it very well now, but she gets her spasms daily but she has to work hard to control it. It’s like, if she gets nervous, she starts flaring up but if she’s relaxed she controls the spasms well. I wish I could have someone just give me a guidance of how to treat it or manage it versus having to setup different referrals with no solutions. What would you recommend?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#ROB M let me know what country/ state you are in and maybe we can help you find a specialist.

[@robertmzs]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy Thank you. Will be relocating to Texas.

[@ShadyPinesMa79]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy hello do you have an recommendations in the NYC area? Thank you

[@marildagjoka6739]

That is absolutely life saving!

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thank you! My clients would agree!

[@rumenivanov4815]

Is the method considered helpful for patients with Exercise induced laryngeal obstruction EILO?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Short answer is Yes it does work for some but not all. Just finished treatment in an athlete that reported “it” occurred “countless” times and now they say it doesn’t happen at all with their sport. Took about 4weeks as symptoms gradually lessened in frequency and severity. Some athletes improve but does not completely resolve. I can’t say I know what does it for some but not others.

[@rumenivanov4815]

Thank you for your answer! Do you have any specific observations about swimmers?

[@vladkuznet1]

Matt, would this help with singing if someone has extensive extrinsic muscles involvement when they try to go up in pitch and volume? Also not a lot of vocal cord compression to hold high pitch/high notes at intense volume (as in belting) for more than 7 seconds?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thanks for the comment! The methods I’m modeling are mainly used to remediate voice disorders. For your needs you may want to look into something like estillvoice.com or find a voice therapist who also has a background in singing.

[@vladkuznet1]

Thanks, Matt.

[@jdaniels6830]

Thank you very much

[@pamelagunn234]

Do you need to see a clinician while you are having an episode? Or can you go any day, even days you are doing ok

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

No. Having an episode while in front a physician will likely help confirm a diagnosis and rule out other potential causes though. Best to ask these questions of your providers. These are all good and appropriate questions.

[@labradormom3656]

Hi, I’m in the U.K. I absolutely need to see someone like you. About to have nasoendoscopy to confirm suspected VCD diagnosis. Do you know of any practitioners in the U.K. who would be able to help me? Thank you for making this video, it gives me hope that I will recover from this awful condition. It’s so frustrating. My lungs feel perfectly healthy so I just want to be able to use them again!! It’s like someone treading on a hosepipe (my throat!) 🙏

[@romeoasserot7093]

How are you now?

[@kyrenrowe461]

Going to give this a shot. My only concern is, I have chronic abdominal muscular pain from an injury 8 years ago. This seems like an abdominal exercise as well. I hope it doesn’t flare up my pain lol. I’m a singer and haven’t been able to sing for like a year because of this vcd issue, I just want to be able to perform my songs without feeling breathless again.

[@cesangmax1601]

What if my VCD is associated with cough? It starts with itching of the throat then eventually started coughing and tightened breathing?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thank you for commenting! I successfully treated a client this spring referred for 15 year chronic cough. They also had VCD symptoms. In their case I’d say their cough was triggered by laryngeal sensitivity/VCD and how they used their voice. I have a video on my channel of that person modeling the exercises with pre and post vocal quality. They no longer have coughing spells. I hope to post the video of their journey/testimonial when things slow down here.

[@cesangmax1601]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy thank you.

[@romeoasserot7093]

@@cesangmax1601 how’s your breathing now??

[@dianasmiciklas3613]

Does this work on bilateral vocal cord paralysis?

[@Loco-motix]

A couple years ago I first noticed a silent wheeze with a forced exhale. I was worried it was the lungs today, so I tried to adjust the sound of the exhale (higher/lower) with the upper plate in the mouth and squeezing and releasing my neck muscles. When I forced an exhale over the vocal cords I could hear my voice without trying to talk. Later tonight with forcing exhales and tightening my throat to adjust the exhale I got a whistling wheeze. Is this from the lungs or just the air going over the cords? I don't hear the same sound when I relax my throat. I don't know if tightening the throat just helped me hear something that is already there better, or would the tightening actually cause it? Maybe I was forcing air from the throat rather than with the lower stomach muscle?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

I can’t comment on your experience but the general understanding is: wheeze on exhale= lungs, wheeze on inhale = vocal folds/upper airway. If wheezing were present in any direction, I would bring to attention to my doctor. Hope this helps.

[@shaniceervin1465]

Can VCD give you the sensation that you are having difficulty swallowing? I have no problem eating but feels like I need extra effort to swallow when not eating and when exercising you can forget about it. It feels like my throat is about shut close.

[@barbiekat6352]

Will this help for a person diagnosed with a paralyzed vocal cord? I have had a scope. But sometimes my voice comes back… not normal but a lot stronger.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Possibly. I followed an exercise routine identical to this for some clients with vocal fold paralysis. It just all depends on what kind of voice you get from the exercise. For example if the voice sounds strained when putting a lot of effort through the voice, that’s not a good exercise for that particular situation. If the exercise yields a stronger, louder, more stable voice without a feeling of strain in your throat then you’re probably on the right path.

[@afrozak4305]

Thank you so much. What is the application's name?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Voice analyst

[@LawrenceHaddad-p4s]

Who do you recommend in Chicago for treatment/therapy?

[@lg6134]

Thank you for this video! Do you know or recommend any SLPs on the Gulf Coast of Florida that know this technique? I was diagnosed with VCD by my pulmonologist after years of ineffective and aggressive asthma treatment. My pulmonologist recommended I do breathing techniques with an SLP to work on the VCD, but didn’t know anyone to refer me to.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thanks for watching! I don’t know of anyone but you could search web for universities with speech therapy programs as most have treatment clinics. Call what’s available and ask if they have experience and success treating VCD. Can also search “www.asha.org and find a professional “ and search by city and state and narrow search to those who treat adults with voice disorders. Although VCD is not a voice disorder, those who do voice therapy are familiar with breathing techniques. Hope this helps.

[@romeoasserot7093]

LG how are you now??

[@romeoasserot7093]

LG how’s your breathing now? Plz reply

[@angelaminnefield2621]

I have VCD and have been to two separate voice therapists. The breathing techniques do not work for me. I'm a runner and I cannot breathe when I exert myself. Is their a doc on Indiana that can help me.

[@mtmckeon5765]

Hi Angela! Sorry to hear of your struggles, you are certainly not alone. My technique has worked on competitive indoor swimmers, track and field sprinters, soccer players, and basketball players. I don't see any reason why it wouldn't help a runner. I am looking into helping you find a qualified therapist in Indiana. Can you email me at [e-mail] please. Also, if you have a voice therapist already, you could have them contact me and I could train them.

[@angelaminnefield2621]

@@mtmckeon5765 I have sent you an email. Thanks in advance for your responds

[@itsjen94]

@@angelaminnefield2621 hey how are you feeling now, did you get rid of your vocal cord dysfunction?

[@angelaminnefield2621]

@@itsjen94 thanks for asking. I went to the Denver for treatment and back to running now😊

[@itsjen94]

@@angelaminnefield2621 What was the treatment?? & how often do you get vocal cord attacks now?

[@squamsh122]

I dont know if I have vcd yet but I often find that I can breathe easier or ignore symptoms when talking to people. Is there any physiological explanation for this?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Maybe because you are freely exhaling when talking.

[@WiLdTiger1951]

Will this help after having damage to the L. Nerve during an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Best to see a speech pathologist. While I am familiar with unilateral vocal fold paresis(weakness) or paralysis following ACDF surgery, people can pick up bad speaking habits to compensate for a vocal fold that is not moving as it should …in short you need a skilled ear to guide your rehab. Thanks for posting

[@stephaniefenelon]

Thank you so much for posting. Woud this help prevent laryngospasms? You are wonderful to do this video.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#Stephaniefenelon in short, I use some of these exercises in an attempt to get the supposed vocal paralysis adducting/ moving again ( unless the Dr. Is certain the nerve was cut). Sometimes we get movement again, Some dr.’s seem to use the terms laryngospasm and VCD interchangeable. Some may call it paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM)… they all have something in common… the vocal folds are adducting(coming together) when they should be remaining abducted(open) typically on the inhale. Best to see a voice therapist though…. Hope this helps.

[@stephaniefenelon]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy thank you so much

[@vanand312]

Gosh, you’re a really good teacher and inspire confidence that will make one persevere in doing the exercises you’ve suggested,Thank you.Would be grateful if you give the name of the voice analyser app you’re using,There are so many of them.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thanks! “Voice analyst” for iphone

[@lukasneves8209]

Should we push further if the voice breaks a bit while the aaaaaa excercise?

[@sarasaeed7807]

How many times a day should I be doing these with VCD

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

When performed correctly I have my clients do per day: 2sets of 10 “heys”, 12-15 reps of sustained “ah”, read aloud once for 5 minutes, 10 reps of messa di voce. Perform daily x 2 weeks. Should notice a difference in vocal quality and vocal/body awareness and reduction in symptoms. Key point here though… need to be performed correctly.

[@Zil_giddy]

Do you do online vocal speech sessions?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#ElizabethGideon Short answer is YES, but I need to hold a license in the state where the client is located. I Currently hold licenses in VA, MD, and AZ.

[@Zil_giddy]

Darn! I’m in Texas

[@pamelagunn234]

I have allergies food and environmental does this mean this method will or won't work more /less??

[@Daisygirl915]

Do you believe that this works with vocal cord paralysis (one side)? I would love to stop my laryngospams.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#PeggyPowers see my answer below 👇 for Stefanie(I posted to wrong person…sorry)

[@carmenrodriguez5842]

Congratulations, a very professional didactic video. I do have a problem with my left vocal cord, could it be helpful for me? I would appreciate your help. Thanks.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Carmen Rodriguez Hi! A knowledgeable voice therapist can help anyone optimize their voice. My video shares my experience treating vocal cord dysfunction. Treatment and exercises vary depending on each individuals specific vocal needs and conditions. It’s best to contact a speech language pathologist that specializes in voice and share your story with them and see if they can help.

[@roseflower3112]

Hey… are these exercises good and helpful for someone whose left vocal cord is not moving? Please help! my son is suffering… he is only 12.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#RoseFlower possibly. Best to see a speech pathologist that specializes in voice therapy. Every circumstance is different with many variables to consider. Clients need a good model to follow for the exercises and need feedback from someone who knows what their doing. Many insurances now cover telehealth so you should be able access one from wherever you live. With vocal fold paralysis it all depends on where the vocal fold is positioned in its paralyzed state: in the median, paramedian, or abducted state. In the event voice therapy is ineffective, there may also be surgical options. An otolaryngologist or laryngologist should be able to get you in touch with your options.

[@romeoasserot7093]

Rose how’s he now???

[@romeoasserot7093]

How’s his breathing??

[@romeoasserot7093]

How’s is he now?

[@roseflower3112]

@@romeoasserot7093 he still has hoarseness… it gets better sometimes but mostly the voice is bad

[@YThamdy]

every two mintutes i feel that my air path is closed so i try to sigh twice which my body agree to air flow go so i sigh all the day and i feel that there is something wrong in my thort so is this VCD ?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#MohammedHamdy thanks for posting. If your symptoms are present all day long, it should be easy for an ENT/Otolaryngologist to visualize it with a laryngoscopy. Some individuals report symptoms as you are describing them and some only have symptoms with certain “triggers.” Some describe it as not being able to get a full breath in. Hope your able to get an answer.

[@amberb3825]

Hi and thanks for this video. Have you heard anyone mention their attacks including their eyes shutting really hard and a wind-like sound in their head? I've been trying to search this symptom and can't find many results. It's been an issue that I can't figure out how to stop. I've been diagnosed with asthma for years but never had treatment offered other than inhalers and very minimal advice from doctors. I've recently learned about VCD being similar to asthma for athletes and people with asthma should get pneumonia shots. Specific activities trigger attacks like running and swimming, and every winter I get sick and have a cough linger for months. I'll be trying these exercises now to see if I make progress, thanks for some thorough explanations in this video.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Hi Amber B! Thanks for watching and sharing your story. Everyone’s triggers and symptoms are a little different. I have not heard of the eyes shutting and wind sound. Asthma symptoms and VCD symptoms should be different. Asthma generally has a wheeze on the exhale while VCD on the inhale. Bronchodilators should improve symptoms from asthma but not if caused by VCD. Athletes have overcome their VCD symptoms but still need their inhalers for underlying asthma symptoms. Asthma is in your lungs while VCD is a spasming in your throat narrowing the entrance to your airway. Glad you’ll continue looking for answers! Be sure to repost if you learn anything new! Thanks!

[@shastawoll1941]

Did you ever figure this out? I have the same issue. I get a dry spot and can’t cough it away or wet it with a drink then my throat closes and it’s difficult to inhale and I lose my voice. My eyes start to cry and I can’t open them. At the worst part of the episode I have vertigo like sensations/dizziness.

[@shastawoll1941]

Also, I can feel the sensation from “dry spot” in my throat connect to my ear then my eye on the same side of my face as the dry/irritated spot. I think the sound you’re talking about is a rumble. I experience this during the attacks and can make the noise on command, too. I think it’s from the tensor tympani muscles.

[@dreville100]

Very interesting approach Matt. My main concern is shortness of breath upon exertion (hill climbing, stairs, uphill biking). My voice does get raspy and weak while exercising, but I'm more worried about being so winded -- which is relatively new. I'm 62 and exercise alot. When you say "trigger" are you referring to a voice/talking symptoms or sustained shortness of breath symptoms -- or both? Thanks!

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thanks for watching and the question! A “trigger” is something that sets off your symptoms. In your case it sounds like exercise may be a trigger and your symptoms may be dyspnea and hoarseness. While most people with VCD don’t report coinciding hoarseness or voice loss, some do. As of today, I still have yet to find a client ( with Dr. confirmed dx. Of VCD) who doesn’t improve after mastering these exercises when a trigger is exercise, scents, or anxiety. To date: My method is not effective on individuals who experience symptoms of dyspnea all day long. Dyspnea with exercise could be caused by other issues so be sure to consult with your medical professionals first. Hoarseness and raspiness could have many different causes as well - best to consult with an ENT and speech pathologist who specialize in voice. Take care!

[@romeoasserot7093]

David how are you now??

[@romeoasserot7093]

David how’s your breathing now??

[@romeoasserot7093]

David you okay now???

[@lizettegomez6948]

I started with voice hoarseness and throat pain upon singing, almost 2 years ago, but didn't pay much attention to it. I suffered from bulimia for almost 8years and I think that has damaged my cords together with vocal straining while singing. I'm now at the point where talking hurts and I have cord spasms with all kinds of strong smells. What doctor would you recommend me to go see and do you think I can fully recover?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Lizette Gomez Thanks for sharing your story. Sorry to hear you struggled for so many years. I am glad you haven’t given up. Sounds like you may benefit from seeing an Otolaryngologist so they can visualize your larynx and vocal folds and see if there is any damage. Consult with your physician to find one that specializes in voice. Depending on results of dr. Assessment- voice therapy may be appropriate and is usually trialed before other interventions. Prognosis largely dependent on condition of vocal folds and finding a good voice therapist. If singing causes discomfort- I would discontinue until you can be seen by a specialist. Thanks for your comments!

[@alexcavanaugh199]

Hello, I’ve suffered with bulimia for about two years now and as of recently, in the past 4 months, I’ve developed a hard time getting a full breath into my lungs. My throat feels phlegmy and as if it is closing when I try to take a full breath in. In your option, would it be advised to seek out an otolaryngologist? I’m starting to become worried and unsure if I’ll ever be able to breath normally again. Thank you!

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thanks for commenting. Its best to discuss with your primary doctor. Otolaryngologists can use a tiny camera to visualize your vocal folds and airway while at rest, breathing and voicing/ talking to see what is happening. It’s called a laryngoscopy.

[@romeoasserot7093]

@@alexcavanaugh199 has your breathing returned to normal??

[@lilyangeles2887]

@@alexcavanaugh199 how are you??

[@ousten_murh]

@alexcavanaugh199 how are you now alex?? if you feel better share solutions with us please

[@kellyridgeway172]

Do you know if cervical spine surgery could cause VCD? I had disc replacement surgery 9 months ago. Literally within a few days of having surgery, I started having extreme shortness of breath, chest tightness, throat tightness, hoarseness, accompanied by anxiety. On some occasions I get tingly face and hands from overactive breathing. It feels like someone is strangling me from inside my throat. I've been tested for all sorts of things and recently was diagnosed with VCD by an allergist. This is an every single day occurence....some days and parts of days much more severe than others. Because this all started right after surgery, I am confident that something in the surgery (maybe intubation, maybe from them having to move my larynx out of the way to reach my spine, maybe nerve damage) caused this. Can this be permanent?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Hi Kelly! Thanks for watching/posting. Sorry to hear of the aforementioned symptoms. Have you been evaluated by an Otolaryngologist/ENT to determine cause for the hoarseness? Rule out possible vocal fold paralysis? I’ve had past clients report a strangling feeling/ tightness in their throat post anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF), one also had vocal fold paralysis. With any hoarseness, Best to see an ENT to visualize the movement and vibration patterns of the vocal folds as part of the assessment.

[@kellyridgeway172]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy I have seen an ENT. He did a laryngoscopy and said he didn't see anything causing my symptoms. However since then I have seen both an allergist and a second neurosurgeon who both agree that this appears to be a vocal cord problem. I am being referred to a different ENT at Emory. Waiting for that appointment. When I read descriptions and symptoms of both Vocal Cord Dysfunction and Vocal Cord Paralysis, I feel that the descriptions I read are pretty dead on with how I feel. I am curious if this is permanent damage or if there is a possibility it could get better with time. It has been 9 months at this point. I am miserable and this is causing me some pretty serious anxiety due to feeling like I'm not getting enough air. My chest always feels very heavy and restricted. My throat feels like it is closing off on the inside. Yet my oxygen levels are usually pretty high.

[@romeoasserot7093]

@@kellyridgeway172 has your breathing returned to normal??

[@romeoasserot7093]

@@kellyridgeway172 has your breathing returned to normal?? Plz reply

[@kellyridgeway172]

My breathing is still not good. I have extreme tension in my throat muscles (both the outer and the inner muscle of the front of the neck/throat). I have started getting massages focused specifically on that area and it is helping to a degree. I also have been focusing on stretches for those muscles. And when I have an attack where it feels like my throat is closing up, I practice these different vocal exercises in this video. The one that seems to help the most is the long "e" technique. It seems to have the most positive effect on my vocal cords.

[@jaymills1720]

What if they’re running out of breath fairly quickly? Is that a sign of weak diaphragm? And also throat pain after VCD is that common?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

@jaymills1720 hi! thanks for posting …probably best to discuss your case with a specialist. I posted this video to share my experiences with other professionals as a lot of baseline knowledge is not covered. But to put this video in context, it took me ~ 5 years of performing long “ah’s” to get over 18 seconds, now I can teach some clients to go from 11 seconds to over 30 seconds in 3 sessions. Point being, finding the right professional can save you years of experimenting.

[@MicahHTX]

Some told me.i may have problem with vocal cord dysfunction this exercise can help me? My problem is my breathing when I walk fast or do hard activities

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Hi Miguel! Thanks for watching! Yes once performed correctly, athletes with and without asthma that I treated stopped reporting dyspnea with exercise. Common triggers of VCD are exercise induced usually with taxing exercise like sprinting or long distance running but walking fast could certainly do it too. The exercises modeled in the video are the same exercises used with actual clients. It is best to be taught them by a speech pathologist who can model it for you and coach you. Nearly every country has an association of speech pathologists- best to call them and ask where to find a qualified speech pathologist in treating VCD. The US has www.asha.org

[@randileebabcock4u]

I am a voice teacher and use this breathing technique for singing. However, I had a bad upper respiratory infection and have been having trouble with my higher voice since then. I think I may have dried out my vocal folds. Will this help, or can you recommend another exercise?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Hi! Since the suspected onset of change, in your case, followed a medical issue probably best to be evaluated by a laryngologist and go from there. A laryngoscopy with videostroboscopy should reveal the issue. Otherwise It’s pretty difficult to definitively determine a cause or treatment plan without seeing what is happening. Best of luck to you!

[@janetfrain9338]

I was diagnosed with vocal cord paresis after having bronchitis. It's given me a chronic cough. I went through voice therapy for 3 months - the vowel sounds that you mention and also had two cortisone shots in my vocal cords. After 2 1/2 years, I still have the cough. Certain smells trigger it, stress and changing positions (from sitting to lying down). I think I do have a lot of tension in my throat. Trying breathing techniques to relax my vocal cords and also humming. Not sure I was doing the voice exercises in a relaxed fashion. Have you had experience with this?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Janet Frain Yes. Acquiring a voice disorder and laryngeal hypersensitivity following severe coughing spells is not uncommon. Sorry the therapy you received did not resolve it. I’ve had success in scenarios like yours. Chronic cough can be resolved as can sensitivity to scents.

[@janetfrain9338]

@Vape Girl You should go to an ENT 'cause he/she can confirm it. They do a larynoscopy. Here are the vcd exercises kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn24oHZpmpimf7c . Plus there are two breathing exercises that I can also send you from a center in Arizona. I've gotten walking pneumonia twice now from this chronic cough. Getting treatment now for the 2nd one and don't understand why it's happening. I definitely can relate to how annoying this cough is. Here's my email [e-mail] so we can email each other. I have more stuff I can relay to you.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

@Vape Girl Not knowing your situation... I can’t make any specific suggestions but in the case of asthma...general info to keep in mind...Dry powder inhalers used to manage asthma are linked to hoarseness, Advair in particular. The powder remains on the vocal folds and interferes with the vibration, often impedes proper vibration and thus causes need for more force or strain to voice/speak and may cause learned vocal strain , hoarseness and in some cases may contribute to a cough as a result of how the person has learned to voice... a cough preceded by a “tickle” in the throat is sometimes caused by how the vocal folds are hitting each other when we voice...aberrant vibration patterns are caused by many things but certainly by any impedance to the natural way of doing things. this is usually imperceptible by the individual but obvious to a skilled voice therapist/speech pathologist in an evaluation and if a contributing factor likely correctable.. everybody is different though and no assumptions should be made without an evaluation by a qualified ENT and speech pathologist.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

@Vape Girl. This all sounds like something a good voice therapist and ENT could problem solve for you. Of course discuss all of this with your doctor. What state are you in?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

@Vape Girl. You can contact me at [e-mail]

[@lwiener67]

I need a video on how to stop an occurrence in breathing trouble if your in one how go get out of it? Linda

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thanks for the comment! Straw breathing is often used to take tension away from the throat and engage the diaphragm. You can search KZbin for these videos. Also see “pursed lip breathing.” I may post video explaining this in next few months. Good luck!

[@miacastro7114]

Hello thanks for the info. I had therapy 2x a week for 6 weeks and honestly it didn't help. I feel its getting worse and it gives me pains in my head 😪. I feel like giving up

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#Mia Castro! I really hope you do not give up! It took me 10 years to have the knowledge and skill to treat these complex conditions. Point is, progress sometimes takes time. Just because one therapist couldn’t help you doesn’t mean the next one won’t either. Every therapist is different. I hope you’ll keep advocating for yourself. VCD support groups on FB can also be great for resources and support. I thank you for being brave enough to share your feelings! The community does care about your well being!

[@romeoasserot7093]

Mia castro how are you now? Plz reply

[@romeoasserot7093]

Mia castro how’s your breathing ?? Plz reply

[@romeoasserot7093]

Mia castro how are you now??

[@TrulyShelly]

Helllo . I have been diagnosed with vcd. It’s weird but it happens when my furnace kicks on. I do have bad allergies and started getting allergy shots. I just started speech therapy but I am really interested in having a session with you. My speech therapist has only showed breathing techniques. Not really seemed to be working.

[@romeoasserot7093]

How are you now?

[@romeoasserot7093]

How’s your breathing now??

[@TrulyShelly]

I feel sooo much better now. I had vcd therapy with someone that Matt referred me to. I thank him and Dorinda sooo much!

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

This is great to hear! Happy for you!

[@eg6081]

Mind seems triggered with cold temperatures, perhaps that is your trigger as well?

[@gimi2395]

I recently was diagnosed with VCD. I'm scheduled to have a tummy tuck in a week. Since you mentioned the diaphragm is vital for these exercises, should I not have muscle repair with the tummy tuck and just have them pull loose skin?

[@romeoasserot7093]

How are you now??

[@zeek4749]

My dad would aspirate here and there and then one day he went into a a coma after two months being in three different hospitals they said my dad’s vocal cords are not working they send him home with the feeding tube and hospice 😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

#zee k I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope you get to spend valuable time with him.

[@romeoasserot7093]

How’s he now?? Zee k

[@danqingxiao4447]

amazing!

[@jakee326]

Hi I’ve been diagnosed with vocal chord spasms which manifest as pauses in speech and a noise that sounds a bit like a stutter. Would these excersizes apply to a situation like mine? I’ve been seeing a speech therapist and they are helpful but seem to treat it like a stutter

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Hi Jake E! Thanks for watching and commenting. I really can’t give individual advice. These exercises can be effective for vocal cord dysfunction, paradoxical vocal fold movement, and muscle tension dysphonia under the direction of a speech therapist.

[@andreaburgdorf4949]

I have had a chronic cough for over 3 years. My throat starts to itch and I have a coughing episode until it sometimes stops itching by itself, or I have to take a menthol cough drop. The cough is gradually getting worse. It now happens numerous times a day and wakes me up at night, sometimes lasting for 5 or 10 minutes. I’ve had the allergy scratch test, but nothing showed up. Allergist prescribed antihistamines anyway, but it doesn’t help the cough. I’ve tried a PPI in case it’s GERD, but that didn’t help. My ENT says I might have a vagal neuropathy, though he didn’t test for it. My gag reflex works fine, and I have no problem swallowing. I “saw” a speech therapist online because of COVID, but couldn’t get any real feedback as to whether I was doing the exercises correctly. Without a clear diagnosis, do you think your exercises would help the itchy throat?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

@andreaburgdorf4949 Hi! Sorry to hear that you are seeking relief but not finding a solution. The exercises should be performed with a speech pathologist who specializes in voice, if even appropriate. If appropriate,A speech pathologist would take a detailed medical history and try to figure out what’s relevant and what’s not. There are too many variables that influence a possible cause to cover every scenario here. Thanks for posting and sharing your story with the greater community.

[@andreaburgdorf4949]

Good news! After what was now 4 years, the ENT doctor finally finds a solution, if not a cure. I am now on a very low dose of amitriptyline (20 MG daily), and the symptoms are completely gone. It has changed my life!

[@biggunno1]

by doing these exercises daily will you teach your body to reset its natural breathing at a subconscious level where as you reprogram your brain to breathe correctly without thinking about it? as a vcd sufferer after years of incorrectly breathing and overthinking your breathing...or something like that

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Hey Tim! Thanks for viewing! From the feedback I received from my clients, the answer is yes. Our bodies learn what you teach it and that which is reinforced. I followed up with all clients at 6 months and some at 2 years post therapy and all who practiced daily correctly for about a month reported no relapse. I suspect the muscle system is just weak and works against itself which would explain why most clients report their symptoms to get worse with time as their body keeps reinforcing bad habits and strengthens those muscles responsible for those bad habits exacerbating the problem. I believe it needs to essentially reset and strengthen itself the correct way. This is why it is best to have a therapist teach you so they can point out any mistakes in the beginning so you don't accidentally teach yourself something wrong. If you do not have a therapist available - you could always video tape yourself breathing and doing your exercises and likely SEE and HEAR problem areas.

[@romeoasserot7093]

Tim how’s your breathing?? Plz reply

[@peateargriffin111]

02:41

[@virpalsingh8017]

Left side vocal chord paralysis detected. .please suggest. . Earnest request. .

[@pamelagunn234]

Does acupuncture help VCD?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Tbh… IDK…take a look at the research…😊 thanks for posting!

[@josephinemadera5787]

I have vcd and even with exercises i cant control going into a high pitched tone any suggestions?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Hi Josephine. Do you mean you speak in a high pitch by accident OR when you go to a high pitch it doesn’t sound good? Thanks for your comment!

[@josephinemadera5787]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy I mean it doesn't let me get out of being in that tone

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

josephine madera A lot of people with VCD have trouble going into a lower pitch because they are likely tensing their throat which prevents their throat from relaxing. Common exercises used to relax the throat and hence lower the pitch include: (1) “yawning” and while yawning bring your voice to a lower pitch, (2) perform a pitch glide down to your lowest pitch and practice sustaining your lowest pitch for as long as your breath support allows. If you can sustain your voice at a low pitch then you can also talk on that lower pitch. If you experience any pain or discomfort stop immediately and consult a professional.

[@abiolafamuyide4142]

Pls where is your office address in the USA.

[@irebernardi]

I like to tell them to bark, because all dogs barks from his abdomen.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

This is great! Thanks for sharing!

[@rosemariezanfardino3769]

Where are you located?

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

West Springfield, Virginia

[@pamelagunn234]

This video is great

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Thanks!

[@fionagardiner210]

I am a speech therapist and wondered if you would ever do joint virtual training with SALT and clients to help me gain confidence and skills in this technique

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Fiona Gardiner Hi! Short answer is YES. I have successfully trained other SLP’s who are now also getting similar results. Please contact me @ [e-mail]

[@marjolainemiller4417]

I was recently diagnosed with VCDI, which explains a lot! I am usually healthy 46 yr old and really want to overcome this, as fast as possible since I am an elementary school teacher. Do you do telemedicine at this time?

[@MicahHTX]

I'm 38 very healthy I just have a little trauma for something then I get this problem. Vcd

[@itsjen94]

@@MicahHTX Did trauma cause the VCD you think ? & how are you feeling now, did you get rid of it?

[@MicahHTX]

@@itsjen94 done with all my issues im fine now

[@romeoasserot7093]

@@MicahHTX how are you now?

[@romeoasserot7093]

@@MicahHTX how’s your breathing?

[@spencerb2631]

Hey Matt, do you have any exercises for someone recovering from a micro nodule? I watched this whole video and really feel like VCD might have led me to damage my voice in the first place

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

@Spencer B. Do you mean vocal fold nodules?

[@YURIKAVLAKOV1]

28 seconds :) and it looked like you could go on even longer

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

My best is 36 seconds! 😊 but only when harmonizing with someone

[@violetflame917]

Chakra

[@shaniceervin1465]

Can VCD give you the sensation that you are having difficulty swallowing? I have no problem eating but feels like I need extra effort to swallow when not eating and when exercising you can forget about it. It feels like my throat is about shut close.

[@wholisticspeechtherapy]

Great question! Can’t answer your specific concerns. But …speech pathologists are specialists in the assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders known as Dysphagia. If I were having trouble swallowing at anytime I would review with my Doctor and see if adding a speech pathologist that treats swallowing disorders would be beneficial to help problem solve the cause/solution.

[@shaniceervin1465]

@@wholisticspeechtherapy Thank you! I will talk to my doctor. Shortly after I wrote that comment ( a week or so) I caught Covid for the first time and it made it so much worse haha so now I’m worse than I’ve ever been.