Muscle Tension Dysphonia | Release Tension from your Throat |
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- Опубліковано 20 сер 2024
- Muscle Tension Dysphonia and Releasing Tension from your Throat. Many of us take singing for granted. We open our mouths and, for the most part, enjoy the physical sensations we receive from our singing. Sadly, though, this is not always the case.
For some singers the process of singing has become a nightmare of tension and vocal strangulation. And so today we’re going to talk about Muscle Tension Dysphonia and releasing tension from your throat.
Looking for more PRACTICAL tips about singing with LESS STRAIN? Watch these videos - drdan.co/2puH68y
Watch 'How to Avoid Vocal Fold Constriction' - bit.ly/1TnG2gi
0:23 What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
MTD is an extreme case of constriction, often both inside and outside the larynx. It differs from the garden variety vocal fold constriction because the muscles are generally constricting in an involuntary manner even though the voice user is doing all they can to not activate any extreme muscle response.
2:14 How is Muscle Tension Dysphonia diagnosed?
MTD can only be diagnosed by an ENT and is typically then treated by a Speech Therapist. It’s important to see the ENT first because sometimes Muscle Tension Dysphonia can be masking a more significant concern such as acid reflux or a vocal pathology such as a vocal fold cyst.
3:21 What to do if you have Muscle Tension Dysphonia.
This tips will help you to manage MTD and the voice's tendency towards constriction.
5:07 An exercise for the release of laryngeal tension.
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5:04 is where the exercises begin if you need it :)
•i’m back a few months later, and i had no idea this comments helped so many of you!❤️
Thank youuuu
Thank you!
@@aluanamesquita np hope it helped:)
@@ciociosan your welcome!
Thanx a lot man! Sorry but 5+ minutes intro to a 7 minute video, come on...
I always thought I was just a bad singer, but then one day for some reason, all my vocal tension went away for a few hours and it felt like a completely different voice. My pitch was spot on and it felt so effortless to sing. Tension in the vocal cords has so much significance in singing and for me it’s the difference between being able to sing well or not at all.
Im so glad i found this video, i thought i was having anxiety attacks but after watching your video i think its more likely Muscle Tension Dysphonia, Thank you
You're welcome Kydam Park. Thanks for watching.
Z
Yea my anxiety almost had me
Wow actually works. This is especially important for people like me with a more bass boosted voice and have throat strains just after speaking for a while making us need to speak in our higher slightly less comfortable range
Exactly I m also suffering from the same prblm right now
I got diagnosed with this today by an ENT surgeon and saw the video of my throat. You described my symptoms perfectly....now begins the long road to recovery...
Aww I'm sorry I hope it gets better
Tell us how it goes
@@humanbirdsong I have MTD and got diagnosed just a year ago. Am now finally turning the corner as I've done massive research the past few weeks after failure to fix my voice. Have you seen a speech pathologist yet?
@@humanbirdsong hey how are you feeling now, did you get rid of your muscle tension dysphonia & how’d you do it ?
Hey man. How is your voice now?
I've been to e.n.t and all clear, this is exactly how my throat feels,and I'm very anxious now when I sing,I'm seeing a speech therapist so I'm hoping this will improve my vocals, because my secondary vocal folds are trying to help and I'm singing terrible, makes me sad because I use to sing well 😔
its okay , everything will be fine, i m sure after therapy u will bounce back.. i could understand , it feels terrible when u wanna sing and could not.. atleast u r on the path of recovery.. all the best.. get well soon
In a similar position, how'd it go with the speech therapist? I'm seeing one right now but it's only the 3rd week
😔 same here
Similar situation over here. I used to sing all the time and was even in a band. Over the years, I've found it harder and harder to sing. I lost my upper register, my voice has become raspy and shaky, I get fatigued trying to speak nevermind sing. I'm on a waiting list to see an e.n.t to get a proper diagnosis. Even if I never sing again, I might actually be able to relax and have a chat with my friends. Most days I don't talk much, it's just frustrating to.
Hi Steve same person with the exact same problem here…. just wondering if you have managed to remove the muscle tension while singing?
Oh my god. You, my friend are a life saver.... You just saved me from a tremendous amount of pain in seconds... THANK YOU!!!
This is so great, first youtuber for voice I've found that ticks all the boxes
Dear Dan I spoke to you over the phone a few years ago. I have had MTD for years since 2014 now is 2022. I am striving for a permanent improvement without botox . I am doing therapy for the voice. To get the air flowing through my vocal exercises. And practice speaking sentences with voiceless and voiced vocal sounds. I will become a living testimony to how I recovered from MTD successfully without any botox I pray🙏
I wish you every continuing success on your journey...
I’ve had the condition you’ve been talking about for 5 years and no doctor has diagnosed it you’ve helped me so much thank you ! Like right now you’ve explained all the symptoms for 5 years no ones been helping me.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video R S. Thanks for watching.
I've had MTD for 6 years and whispered for the entire 6 years. Nobody can understand how this is possible. I would give anything to get my voice back
This was happening with me and because of this i did not sing for 1 month . i wish i have found this before . But i am really happy that i finally found this . No one talked about this on you tube but you did. Thankyou so muchh. This helped.🤗
How did u overcame this problem ?
I am 22 years old and I just regained closure in my vocal chords this past summer after going though vocal therapy after being diagnosed with Muscular Tension Dysphonia by my ENT two years ago. The problem started when I was 18 1/2 and was at top vocal health. I had no strain when I sang and had a beautiful tone and vibrato. I used to always get compliments on my singing especially from my music teachers. According to my voice teacher I could sing any high note I wanted, but about half way though my Spring semester I started to lose my high notes gradually and started having vocal problems. This severely depressed me and I ended up barely singing that summer thinking I just needed vocal rest. This actually made the problem worse. My parents are both doctors so because of them and my pediatrician I went to a horrible pediatric ENT who after scoping my throat without having me talk or sing with the camera in my throat decided it was acid reflux and that I was making up the throat pain that I was having whenever I sang or spoke. My parents knew he was wrong, but we didn’t know what to do. Eventually I found the best ENT in my area (he and his partner even are the doctors for the local opera house and other professional groups so it’s not my opinion when I say they’re the best). I had to wait to get a good vocal therapist though, but when she moved back into town I worked hard for about a year. I have my vibrato back. It turns out I never lost it. It’s just rapid now. I’ve corrected so many vocal problems including onset delays and hyper nasality. I’m still working on my breathing, tone, vibrato speed, and a few other problems, and although it’s frustrating I haven’t let it stop me. I’m still working on getting my degree in musical theatre and I’m finally at a university full time this semester instead of part time at community colleges (I’ve been to three different ones). It’s so nice to finally know that my vocal problems were caused by me singing too much for long periods of time. That spring when the problems started I would go from fundamentals music theory to aural skills have a break for hours then go to a long choir practice then straight to an hour voice lesson. I remember my voice getting tired from doing this once a week, but I would do cool down exercises like vocal fry and lip rolls. Until today I thought it was stress that caused all my vocal problems
I’m actually kinda scared I may be constricting my chords too much now and that it lead be what’s leading to the rapid vibrato
@@elizabethkhouri3366 Once you started speech therapy how long did it take to cure your MTD?
@@itsjen94 it was vocal therapy not speech therapy. Vocal therapy involves singing and a piano, and it took me three years to get rid of the physical symptoms after worrying for a year and a half what was even wrong with my voice. I didn’t gain back my singing technique for another two years
MTD is connected to anxiety/stress
I've been battling with MTD for a year now as a result of acid reflux agitation caused by a hiatal hernia.. It's basically halted my singing career, I'm on high dose acid suppressants but it's not doing the trick. Exercises like this help a lot though, also the old straw therapy trick helps, blowing through a straw into water and slowly pulling it out to make a clearer sound. Thanks, all the best!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video Alex E. Thanks for watching.
Hey how are you feeling now, did you get rid of your muscle tension dysphonia & how’d you do it?
@@itsjen94 heya, no I’m still struggling with it and haven’t sung in months. I actually have a 24h acid ph test this week which will hopefully lead to surgery. Are you struggling with this?
@@TidyDawg did you have your surgery ? how is your MTD ?
i was so surprised this worked
What I did de was tu use the sound vibrations of my vocal chords to break slowly and carefully through my throat tensions (and chest and face). Then I reeducated myself in proper use of my vocal instrument. It worked miraculusly. You have to stand the horrible sound as the vibrations cut through the tensions, but its worth IT. And you learn how to direct the sound.
This is spot on for one of my students - I can't wait to share it with them. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
This is the video I’ve been looking for my voice a.way hurts when I sing it’s been happening for years, this is amazing x
Hello doctor Dan, this is the first time I've come across your videos. I'm 59 years old and have been singing semi professionally for probably at least 52 of them. I also have cerebral palsy. All of the antispasmodic drugs have stopped working for me. Spastic cerebral palsy always involves hypertonicity to one degree or another. Now I am tighter than ever especially without the benefit of working medications. You described my symptoms perfectly. If the rest of my body is super tight, why shouldn't my vocal apparatus be tight? Truthfully, maybe I shouldn't say this publicly but it breaks my heart because I'm not even singing in church anymore. I want more than anything to sing again. When I was in high school all those many years ago, I studied at a conservatory and had I not been disabled , I would have at least tried to be part of an opera chorus or something similar but with a physical disability you can't exactly do stage acting to play operatic roles. I knew even then I have a good would be professional voice, not a great one. I've no illusions. instead, I use my voice to bring joy, laughter and God's love to whomever I may encounter. This year on good Friday, my voice was so dry and broken at the lower range the people asked if I were sick and I was asked not to sing for Easter. Enough, or maybe too much, of the backstory. I went to an ENT in March after I tried to sing for my father's funeral and couldn't. He found nothing organic and said that it was quote all mechanics and saw some inflammation. He didn't diagnose muscle tension dysphonia but he sent me to a speech pathologist with a medically necessary diagnosis. I don't know how much either of them know about cerebral palsy and its effects on the whole body and muscles let alone specifically the muscles of the vocal apparatus as applied to singing. Anyway, I worked with a speech pathologist and have her exercises still and do them each day. They help but I'm afraid my voice will never be public material again especially when you add age to mixture. Neither the ENT nor the speech pathologist were Specialists for singers. I know how to sing properly, breath management Etc
Of course I fall into singers bad habits which are compounded by a chronically tight jaw. I'm aware though and I really work at staying loose. I try to do everything correctly but it's harder with CP. I try to stand and sit with good posture but my alignment is always off. I also do the involuntary but not good for your throat throat clearing you mention. It's so dry! How do I stop it? I will also take care to stop yelling even when I get frustrated. Thank you so much for the tips. I've saved your video to my vocal work folder. I'd appreciate any help and guidance you might feel comfortable providing. I want you to know that I realize you aren't able and aren't authorized and do not want to do anything that would be medical or best left to an MD or outside your purview. I respect your judgment. Thank you for reading this and caring enough to share your knowledge and expertise on UA-cam.
It's been 10 years since I've been able to perform. I was so depressed when I went to an ENT and nothing was found. Then had an endoscopy and they basically just gave me pills for acid reflux. Again, no difference. I'm only now learning about MTD and along with this exercise and straw therapy I'm finally regaining some hope for my future. I'll post back here in a month and hopefully I'll have noticed some improvements. Wish me luck!
Good luck!
updates bruh?
@@helloiammahdi I've subscribed to an online clinic and have had Zoom calls where we've established specific exercises for me personally (as it seems to be a very individual phenomenon).
So far I'm working mainly with massages, vocal fry, and straw exercises, but I have to admit it hasn't yet tackled my specific issue. It has however assisted in my general breathing and my surrounding vocal register is much clearer. So it's going to require more experimentation, but I remain hopeful and positive 👍
Thanks for the video. Here's my story (part of it). Its quite long but i'll try to be brief.
The whole experience has been very frustrating, expensive and difficult for me. The only saving grace has been that on eventually getting a diagnosis, i learned (from the medical specialist) that i had not damaged my vocal chords at all and I could start singing again anytime and that rest would not fix the problem.
It is important to clarify that my particular condition is with only anterior-posterior muscle constriction and not vocal fold constriction so because of that, nothing i read on the internet made sense and i had not the least inkling that muscle tension dysphonia was going to be the diagnosis. I went for months before diagnosis not knowing what was going on with my throat.
You see, i did not have any hoarseness at all. It was also not caused by loud singing or yelling except on repeat acute episodes when loud singing for a single phrase seemed to trigger it. The original incident was partly caused by strenuous singing - that is long vocal runs which i practiced over and over. In fact, before this in the same session, i felt the moment of onset by stupidly trying to sing a high C and i had not done any warmups. So i really think that was the trigger and as i ignored the sensation and kept on with my practice which was, as i say, strenuous and repetitive for an extended period of time, this increase the discomfort but not immediately. I haven't got time here to go into the details of the ups and downs of the condition itself but it was not static. It would seem to get better then be triggered again. Then get worse if i kept on using my throat and as time went on, it would get worse more quickly than originally and even the sensation of pain seemed to be growing more severe so much so that a certain point i got to the stage of refusing to speak to anyone.
That said, throughout the months prior to diagnosis, i was able to finish learning the song and perform it, without pain. I never actually felt like i had tension when singing or talking. I felt really quite comfortable in my body and throat , except when i accidentally triggered the constriction. But i was becoming aware of a slight difficulty reaching higher notes and with other web resources, detected some vocal fold swelling starting.
Also things that i had read from voice doctor type websites when i was trying to self-diagnose indicated that for singers, an ordinary ENT wouldn't suffice and so i delayed getting diagnosed in order that i could fly to Brisbane for a laryngologist with a videostroboscope to diagnose me. I should just have taken my GP's advice as i think now that any old ENT could accurately diagnose this condition. But you have to remember that i had no clue I had this condition and the idea of spending $200 x 2 on just getting a diagnosis was problematic for me. ( I didn't have to pay for the airfare down).
So what did my constriction condition feel like? At different times i would describe it differently. Genearlly i did have a feeling that I might have a pulled muscle, having had one in my leg before. Or it felt like a cramp and i couldn't understand why the pain persisted when i stopped singing, even after getting the diagnosis. Did my throat remain constricted even when i wasn't singing or talking? Another time it was conceivable to me that it might have felt like an ulcer - though at the time i had no idea that one would not be able to feel an ulcer in the larynx.
Anyway i've since spent a fortune on treatment only to discover that I need not have. As i've said before if you need to see a speech therapist for this malady, check before hand the person you've been referred to has plenty of experience with singers.
And the cure seems to be mainly learning properly how to do the Accent Breathing Method. Although no one gave me the exercise Dan talks about above and which as yet i can't figure out how to do.
Really glad I found this, as whenever I'm stressed, my throat constricts, voice is hoarse. Thank you 😊
You're welcome Louise Voraujan. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for this. I've had MTD for 2 years and am a voice actor for a living so this is extremely devastating. You described it PERFECTLY.
You're very welcome
are u healed completely? i am a voice actress too and don know if my voice will be like before or not
My voice have been coming and going for a little over a year now....more going than being normal. Seen two EMT's and was diagnosed with MTD just this afternoon....decided to find out as much as I could about this disorder, and your video has helped greatly. Now when you say not to whisper, I have a soft voice normally, and I'm not a shouter or loud speaker at all. Nor am I singer, and usually home alone most of the day, so not speaking a lot either.....yet I have come down with this disorder that has progressed to the point that my voice is usually gone more than not. Actually often I don't know that my voice is gone until I have to answer the phone! So I will try these excercises to see if it helps. I've been told to see a Vocal Therapist to provide proper exercises.....but I live in the middle of no-where and have to travel hundreds of kilometres to access one......if you have some advice of what other exercises I can do to help I would appreciate it greatly.
how are you? anything that helped?
I've been struggling with talking (I work in retail) and singing on top of that, for a few months now I've had a lot of vocal fatigue. I thought it might be nodes, but keep reading that it's uncommon in men. This sounds more likely. Thanks for the upload. You've convinced me if this doesn't get better and soon! That I need to see an ENT. Thanks again!!
Steven Williams, the following video about when to see an ENT may prove helpful - ua-cam.com/video/pZkYKERRp64/v-deo.html
@@DrDanRobinson Sorry I must have missed this reply. Thanks for the advice! I went the doctor a few weeks back and he referred me to an ent, so it'll be nice to find out what's going on. Thanks again!
@@stevenwilliams9997 how are you now? what was it?
I got checked by an ent today after 2 years of constant pain and got the all clear, she just said that I might have tension. I’m going to try this out and hopefully it helps with the pain.
I was diagnosed today. I thought I had spasmodic Dysphonia from an old diagnosis. I’ve been battling this for 20 years. Today, my ENt said he thinks mine is MTD and I start vocal lessons and physical therapy soon.
I wish you the very best with your treatment.
I have suffered from Vocal tension Dysphonia now for 3 years. I have been seen by an ENT at Stanford University, who prescribed me weeks of Speech Therapy. I have also had botox injected into my vocal cords to no avail. Now I am back taking speech therapy.
I constantly have to work on remembering to take a full breath before speaking. As the Dr said, if I do not i end up feeling like I am being choked.
My question for you, Dr. Dan is, have you ever dealt with someone who had a case of MTD and was able to become or return to singing? I could really use a hopeful story if you have one.
Thank you for your time in creating this video. It gave me hope.
I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with Vocal tension Dysphonia for three years. While I'm not a medical doctor, I can provide you with some information that may be helpful.
Firstly, it's important to note that everyone's journey with MTD is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are many success stories out there, and it's important to remain hopeful.
In terms of singing with MTD, it is possible to regain your ability to sing. It may take time and patience, but with the right treatment and practice, many people have been able to overcome their vocal tension and return to singing.
Some possible treatments for MTD include speech therapy, relaxation techniques, and vocal exercises. It's important to work with a qualified speech therapist or vocal coach who specialises in MTD to ensure that you're receiving the most effective treatment.
In addition to professional treatment, there are also some things you can do at home to help manage your MTD. These include staying hydrated, practising good posture, avoiding clearing your throat, and taking breaks when you feel fatigued.
It's important to remember that recovery from MTD is a process, and it may take some time before you see significant improvements. However, with persistence and dedication, many people have been able to overcome their vocal tension and return to singing.
I hope this information is helpful, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey towards recovery.
Fascinating, thank you so much for uploading this, I am a senior manager in the construction industry and for the last 30 years I have been struggling to understand why it is that I have a couple of days (or more) a week where my voice feels tight and "constricted", for me its definitely related to stress, usually work related but sometimes happens in social situations as well, unsurprisingly its also connected to how well I have slept the night before, bizarrely though it's always worse once I have eaten lunch ! I have learnt to manage it over the years by for example not eating before important meetings and generally trying to be as well rested as I can be. It is very frustrating because once its "kicked in" I cant get rid of it and I am very aware that it actually makes me sound stressed out and I end up with a more gruff, strangled even shouty voice which I really hate. I am definitely going to try the exercise, thanks again.
Have you considered 'reflux' as a contributing factor? Watch this to learn more - ua-cam.com/video/XAwsteNLH3s/v-deo.html
Hi, I have the very same symptoms you described here. Could you please be so kind and let me know how you got rid of it ? Thanks
As you started describing the issue at the beginning of the video, it felt like finally someone was telling my story other than myself... I might be suffering from this condition, I guess the next step is to go to the ETN doctor... but I’ve been there, she checked my vocal chords and said there was nothing wrong with them.
How r u now ?
Thanks for the video. This week I was diagnosed with MTD by an ENT voice doctor. So looking for good exercises to help reverse the tension.
I have been dealing MTD for five years. Through therapy I was able to speak after not doing so for nine months. My singing voice has improved but is still a work in progress. I have watched several of your videos on vocal constriction and they were all helpful. This video hit the nail on the head for me. I’m hopi g to write back about improvements in the weeks to come.
Best of luck on your healing journey.
Thank you for sharing your experience with MTD. It's great to hear that you have seen some improvements in your ability to speak and sing through therapy. Remember, progress can be slow, but any improvement is a step in the right direction.
I'm glad to hear that the videos on vocal constriction were helpful for you, and I hope that you continue to see progress in the weeks to come. It's important to continue working with your therapist and vocal coach, as well as incorporating the techniques and exercises that you've learned in therapy into your daily routine.
Remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you continue to work towards recovery. Celebrate even small improvements, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. With persistence and dedication, many people are able to overcome MTD and regain their full speaking and singing abilities.
Best of luck to you, and please do keep me updated on your progress.
That exercise though!!!!😅😅😅😅
Keep watching on repeat......Keeps laughing😅😅😅😅
I was really laughing while doing it hahaha
At first I was like I hate when people call themselves doctors - But, this was more helpful than a doctor
Who are you, you wonderful, Beautiful Man? Thanks for your lessons. This lesson is my introduction to you and I will integrate this into my (developing) regiment. Thanks.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video @thaneyoung. Thanks for watching.
Hey ya Dr. D. How you doing? Me? The ENT I went to about my post nasal drip was AN ASSHOLE AND A HALF! I saw him 2 years ago before I had my vocal chord problem. He said "I'll never find a speech therapist to help solve my problem. He said "In his 20 years of practice he's never seen a speech therapist do anyone any good. I'm glad I don't get discouraged when it comes to my passions! And music is my biggest passion! I got together with a drummer yesterday that I'm supposed to start a band with. I could pretty much carry what we played vocally but not like this. There was times when I did to get him through a song. I threw out A Hard Day's Night which I used to do in a band years ago. I did John's part and the lead singer did Paul's. I was raspi as hell. I mean my notes were deteriorating like a plane that could not take off. It would get up, touchdown, Get up touchdown! I have to change insurance policies. Maybe I can find a speech therapist with that plan who'll take the insurance. I have a student I teach guitar to. If I have to I'll take that money to try to work with a therapist if I have to? I also showed him and went through some original material. No vocals on some of the stuff. But it's a step in the right direction. Look forward to hearing back from you. G'day.
I was diagnosed with MTD today, after having a laryngoscopy. The ENT suggested voice therapy. I'm going to make an appointment tomorrow.
I had a sinus infection over 4 months ago, and coughed for 5 weeks. After that I got laryngitis from coughing. It lasted 3 weeks. I rested my voice and didn't sing or talk for the 3 weeks, but after that my voice was not right. Every time I would sing, my voice instantly became tight and dry.
I'm hoping I can get back to normal after this therapy.
Wandat46, the following video about vocal recovery may prove helpful - ua-cam.com/video/4KP-PIt005o/v-deo.html
Hey how are you feeling now, did you get rid of your muscle tension dysphonia?
@@itsjen94 No. My throat is just messed up. I've been coughing for over 2 months. I'm going to go back to the doctor. I went to a speech therapist, but she told me it was unnecessary because I can still talk.
@@itsjen94 I drank a water supplement that contains electrolytes. One bottle of water is like drinking three. After 3 days my cough disappeared. I'm flying to continue to drink the water and see what happens.
I always thought it was my asthma making my voice sore and tired after long sessions---but probably more than that. I did the camera down the nose thing a year ago and they found nothing wrong with anything from top to bottom. Also did a CT but that was for the torso for a different issue.
Getting to a ENT that specializes in vocal assessment might be hard where I am at (Japan, kind of small town but not rural), but I will look into this more deeply. I will try that exercise, too. Do you think doing the vocal warm up you talk about might help before I do my classes? I generally get a break between teaching English, but sometimes I do a 2-4 hour running. I do keep my water with me :)
Thank Dr Dan.
I have been suffering with muscle tension dysphonia for 8 years. I have been to three therapists. It is just now in 2024 that I realize that I must stop the old pattern of life I live. Not taking time to sit down and do breathing exercises. Doing neck exercises and overall changing fast pace stressful life I live.
I am just understanding what managing stress means. I must learn how to manage my own stress. That is what managing means. I did not and have not understood this simple process. I always looked for fast solutions so I would not continue what my voice therapist was teaching. I did not realize it would be aslow progressive improvement.
I think I am🤔finally on the road to real progress to work at getting rid of this tension.
By the way I suffer with acid reflux and use natural means like ginger and garlic and slippery elm.
It is a slow step by step and must be taught to sufferer.
Thank you you were kind and helpful.
My ENT didn't diagnose me with this, but I do suffer with the whole tension struggle. The source for me is Scheuermann's disease which has a negative effect on my posture. This in turn causes a naturally high amount of muscle tension on my neck as the muscles struggle to keep my head up (fighting the shape of my back)
The result is the same though. High muscle tension on neck and throat. Add the fact that I'm singing AND have a speaking profession I am blessed with a rather high vocal load. Current diagnoses... Laryngitis. Probably a high stress time (at work) about a year ago caused the vocal load to go over what my voice could reasonably handle.
So, now i'm getting Speech therapy to help lighten the impact of the tension. Also awareness training helps a lot, but mostly the kind of exercises that you're showing in the video. Might not be MTD, but getting rid of tension is always good thing!
Thanks for the Vid!
I have seen an ENT twice this year due to persistent hoarse voice and throat infections since March this year. I’ve now been booked for a tonsillectomy and am also getting an assessment for Dysphonia but going to be trying this in the meantime! Thank you
Anda Face, the following video may prove helpful - ua-cam.com/video/w_LGNA-2RJU/v-deo.html
Yes it helped open up and relax my vocals thanks
And massage as well on the neck help a great job
I came here because whenever i try to talk, i feel this horrible lump, the feeling when you need to cry. It's so painful sometimes.
I'm truly sorry to hear about the discomfort you're experiencing. That lump sensation, often referred to as a "globus sensation," can indeed be distressing and painful. While I'm not a medical expert, I can suggest some possible causes and considerations.
The symptoms you're describing might be related to reflux, particularly a condition known as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). This occurs when stomach acid travels up the esophagus and irritates the throat, possibly leading to the sensation of a lump or discomfort.
Here are a few general recommendations:
*Consult with a Healthcare Professional:* It's essential to seek professional medical advice, such as from an ENT specialist or gastroenterologist. They can properly diagnose your symptoms and tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.
*Consider Dietary Changes:* If reflux is suspected, certain dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications might help alleviate symptoms. This could include avoiding acidic, spicy, or fatty foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals.
*Focus on Breath Management:* Working on breath management techniques may help you manage the discomfort when speaking.
*Avoid Strain:* Try to avoid straining your voice and allow for adequate rest if you're experiencing vocal discomfort.
*Explore Over-the-Counter Solutions:* Your healthcare provider might recommend over-the-counter antacids or other reflux medications as part of your treatment.
Please note that these are general suggestions, and it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms and receive appropriate care.
Wishing you relief and improved vocal health soon!
@@DrDanRobinson Thank you! Those are very helpful tips. I believe I do have acid reflux. And I'm going to try to fix this at home. Probably with your videos lol.
I’m so happy I found this video. I’m definitely going to try the exercise.
Thank you for sharing I was diagnosed with this today 1-year post cervical fusion surgery! Waiting to hear back on next steps, but pretty bummed I have lost the ability to talk without it exasperating my neck pain. I will be watching this video a few times this week, if you have any further videos I should watch, I would be grateful for any suggestions. Thank you.
I think it is best that I refrain from offering further advice until your medical team have offered direction. They have your full medical history and are best placed to direct your care in the immediate. All the best.
Hey how are you feeling now did you get rid of your muscle tension dysphonia & how’d you do it?
do you still have neck pain
Yes I did back in October of 2014. And her diagnosis is what I'd say "SPOT ON!
Finally something that sounds like what I have! This has been very helpful. I'm battling with this condition for almost a year and it is so frustrating. I went to get checked and the upper part of my vocal cords doesn't close properly, as far as I know I've had this problem for many many years, but it was never really a problem as I could sign without problems. This time however the case was different, I almost lost my voice completely. Then I went to speech therapy for several months and nothing got better so I just stopped going... What else can I do other than ST? It's bordering on depression at this point... Thank you!
I Feel you. How is it going?
I was feeling the same way, I have MTD... I TOOK A BOTOX INJECTION....WAITING TO SEE THE RESULTS...I NO IM NOT CHOKING as much...I look at others with Vocal Botox success stories. I'm 5 days in now, waiting to see how it does
My grumpy neighbour probably one of the cause of unecessary tension,
I must sing without making too much noise especially on higher notes,
i end up with throat tension because of trying to supress the sound,
And sometimes i feel hurt on the throat Because of excessive tension
I love your studio. You have the most beautiful coolest studio I've ever seen.
brilliant! I've been using yawning but this is just smarter
You always give great advice which helps me in my singing...thanks so much
Thanks for this really useful video. I was diagnosed with mild MDT following a thyroidectomy last year and I'm waiting to see a speech therapist so I can make sure I'm producing my voice (singing and speaking in the right way). I'll try this exercise in the meantime.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video Elaine Astley. Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much for making this video!
I do not understand exactly how you're doing the exercise. Mainly the exhalation part. I would love more detailed explanation please(?)
No wonder you didn't, it was so vague most people will feel improvements from placebo responses. "A supressed laugh" is not something everyone performs in the same way.
Yes I saw a ENT Specialist last Wednesday at a top London hospital.. Him.and a speech therapist decided I need to have Speech Therapy . then Botox. but as I'm bring seen as NHS and not private patient -I'm in for a long wait .. I have been doing some Diaphragm exercises today . and after 5 hours I can actually say " Eeee" I have been unable to say this -or any words for 5 months .. I'm living a nightmare !
Hi there, Dr Dan! thank you so much for your the videos they are so helpful! i absolutely Love to sing... I'd say it's my passion..... and I also talk all day at my job... I'm really out going and love to talk with people....about a year ago I went to the ENT with swallowing and singing issues in that my voice was cutting out..and tired ..I just had surgery 5 weeks ago for thyroid cancer... there was no damage to my vocal nerves and my voice is working okay when I speak... in fact, I tried singing 2 weeks after surgery....and ...my voice was fabulous! but my neck and jaw are still very tight very tight and last week I started having issues again... it feels like there is a lump when I swallow....and when I sing my voice seems to cut out like a skipping record. the ENT is excellent... he did a scope and said the only thing that he can see is that the vocal cords are swollen and a bit thicker than what he normally sees FOR MY CORDS and he told me to go ahead and sing as always and not to do anything differently... he did say that he would send me to the voice clinic.... but the waiting lists are 9 months long... can you suggest anything in the meantime? any help would be so appreciated as not singing makes me feel lost. thank you so much!
Interesting. Seems to work. Thank you!
Hmmm I seem to have MTD. I first had a severe vocal strain when I was in 9th grade (2009) from overusing my voice. I would practice a whole album trying to sound like my favorite singers (which I know you said not to...) and I couldn't speak for more than 2 minutes without my throat hurting for up to 6 months. All my ENT said was my throat was red and to gargle salt water. Then I was fine until last spring when it happened again. I'm a worship leader, so I was very certain I just strained my voice again. The ENT said the same thing. This time it only took about 3 months to feel normal again. It then happened a month later after feeling better. That time I completely went without singing for about 4 months to stay safe. 6 months later I'm at it again... These last 2 times I know it's not due to overusing my voice. I always thought it was just from having poor singing techniques. This last time going to the ENT he mentioned I probably have acid reflux and recommended me to a voice therapist. None of them ever told me I had MTD, but everything I've read about it makes sense. Thanks for your suggestions!
Admittedly, I suspect that you might also be suffering from singer's reflux. Learn more here - ua-cam.com/video/XAwsteNLH3s/v-deo.html
Thank you for this I have been struggling for a long time. My voice surgery to remove polyps. I’m still on cough look perfect after surgery and now I’ve been diagnosed with MTD. Very uncomfortable and exhausting.
I have been struggling with this for over a year. I had terrible acid reflux while pregnant and lost my voice the last 2 months of pregnancy because of it. The problem was that after the baby came and my acid reflux left, my middle voice range didn’t come back. I went to an ent and nothing was physically wrong, worked with a speech therapist and a singing therapist and saw vast improvement, but I still have a quiet middle range or it flutters sometimes. I’m hoping to become pregnant again in the next few months and I’m terrified about my voice because it’s not fully back yet. I miss singing every single day and keep hoping that it’s not gone forever.
Angela, pregnancy can throw us some curve balls sometimes hey. Often though, the experience with each child is different, so I hope you have a different outcome with your voice this time around. All the best.
This guy s based around singing....anyone suggest a regular vocal /speech person here on you tube....spasmodic dysphonia is what I was diagnosed with.....but I don’t think that’s what I have... I feel like weak breathy voice. NO projection. No one can hear me.
I did some research here on You Tube about releasing my diaphragm/throat. I also felt intuitively there was a link between my pelvic floor weakness and my voice weakness. I don’t sing AT ALL. But, I started chanting so to speak in high or low voices. Making my voice work the scale/range of high pitch to low pitch. It has helped some and I can fell it in my core too. I do this in my car as it is silly but HELPFUL. I would say my voice is 50% better. GOOD LUCK
I feel you as a teenager guy it is hard for me to have low voice to go anywhere else in school,family,
@@Librasister333 hey how are you feeling now did you get rid of your muscle tension dysphonia & how’d you do it?
@5 Boxing hey how are you feeling now did you get rid of your muscle tension dysphonia & long long did it take?
Hi, I seem to have MTD, been struggling with it for the last four months. Been to a laryngologist, got a laryngoscopy done, no structural damage, it is MTD. Doc said it was caused by stress. Will silence, absolute silence for some days help this? What is the fastest way to recover my voice because the worse this gets, the worse my stress levels and so on....😩
i hope you are doing alright, I have a lot of stress and depression going on and it might be the main reason for my quick fatigue.
Sometimes if the tension is too much you can eat some sweets for me it does relieve but for a short period
How did you diagonise MTD ? by any test ?
And what was the reason for MTD ?injury ?
can you tell me the symptoms because i have the same problems and how do you recover .are you alright now???? waiting for your reply
You are amazing, thank You for this video as for every other i have watched. I've been diagnosed a week ago with MTD and this video is magic for me :D
wow what a beautiful video....just awesome Sir...
Purbasha Bhattacharyya
Interesting - I recently discovered that stretching my mouth wide on higher notes has helped me in hitting them more easily without that feeling of straining. Was unsure why, but your video seems to have answered my question - it's causing the larynx to drop. I guess?
Thank you Dr.Dan. Thank you very much to shed light on this topic. Singers or for that matter any of them who uses their voice on a regular basis a little more than a normal being should be made aware of this issue. Its a kind of a thing which will never let u go dumb and on the other side wont allow u to be free.
The exercise is good but just say me just one thing that should one make the chuckling sound while their mouth is closed releasing the breath or just allow the air to pass out slowly making no sound.
I am sharing this video of yours and will let u know any beneficial exercises i come across.
+Dr Dan's Voice Essentials Okay. And can this condition be unilateral ?
I mean one sided. Usually a MTD patient should feel straining on both sides equally but my case is just a little odd..One sided. All symptoms occur on the right side to be exact.
Thank you for the confirmation.
I was just diagnosed with what I believe is a type of MTD by an ENT a few days ago after having constant pretty bad voice issues for five months. I developed it as overcompensation from having bad laryngitis with COVID. It's been depressing. I can't produce any note above my normal speaking voice either speaking or singing. I can't sing at all (not even a basic scale) because I sound like I have bad laryngitis and it's painful. Which has sucked. My speaking voice is also always hoarse and sore and I lose it very quickly.
My MTD was at least very obvious with a laryngoscopy because my false vocal cords have taken over everything . They completely constrict over my vocal cords. And they can't bring my vocal cords together with higher notes which is why I can't produce any sound.
So keen to start speech pathology to get it sorted out.
Good to hear you have a road leading your forward.
Omg this helped so much . We’re currently stationed overseas our base don’t have ent so I been struggling
I have severe MTD, spasmodic dysphonia and have not been able to speak since April 5 of 2019. I cannot speak period. My ENT has done two laparoscopys and while not 100% believes its possibly caused from a virus. I had a small cold the first part of April lost my voice and it never returned. Speech Therapy didn't help since I couldn't do the exercises. They caused me to become faint during the blowing stage, since I cannot even blow up a balloon. It made me quit sick. So that ended. But then I learned I have an aneurysm in my right mandibular area. They are not sure if that has anything to do with it yet. Vascular surgeon appointment to come. I am not a pro singer but sing a lot to my pets. They have truly missed that. I could hmm and say a couple words while humming and laugh just fine but now I can't even do that. This totally sucks.
Yep. I definitely have some form of dysphonia
doing the exercise at the end am i whispering "he-he" or just smiling while slowly exhaling...
I was diagnosed with this after having a camera down my throat by ENT , I still get a strained muscle feeling at times but it's getting better .also have LPR.
Iris Caveney, the following video about reflux may prove helpful - ua-cam.com/video/XAwsteNLH3s/v-deo.html
For 30 years now I've had MTD Doc... badly want a consultation. I was successful singer for years, but I had a massive vocal load back then. 10 hours a day singing, 4 hours at Dreamworld in a barbershop quartet, became Australian Champions and 6 hours a night as a solo entertainer in Queen Street clubs..... after a few years the constriction started, got to where I could barely whisper on the high voice range. Still had a great bass voice, great falsetto, but top range went lower and lower to a point that became ridiculous to try to sing Rock songs...The best ENT experts from Wickham terrace had no idea back then about MTD then, neither did I. Said mild edema only, just rest, but that made no difference of course, other doctors gave me xanax, said I had stage fright, even more ridiculous, over dosed twice, made a fool of myself...Met a vocal coach from USA, who gave me some silly exercises, that really worked, voice came back better than ever fir a few months, but faded away again...had to change career. Sometimes I can sing along with Matt Monroe and other great singers for a few minutes, and I'm elated, but fatigue comes in and that's it. There's no significant damage to my vocal chords, at times my voice is nice and very strong for a few minutes, but very weak in general, too weak to do exercise often...have great guitar skills, but sadly cant sing any more. Live overseas on a beautiful beach now, retired, plenty of time... Can you give me some guidance please. Sadly Skype is not an option here, whereas WhatsApp works MUCH better for some reason. Happy to pay for a few sessions. Where do we start?
Really enjoy your tuition, but sometimes speaking is difficult...
Hi, Malcolm. What a journey you have been on. I would be happy to do some online sessions with you. I use the Zoom platform to conduct online sessions. You can learn more here - www.djarts.com.au/product/online-singing-lessons
@@DrDanRobinson Thanks Dan for responding. I hope to be out of lockdown soon, so we can schedule the first session. Generally poor internet where I live here on my beach, so it's risky to try from here. Will follow your link and get back in touch with you. Warm regards...
I've just done this and literally feel like I don't recognise the feeling of my own throat anymore it feels so much more free but I'm kinda worried I did something bad to my voice because it feels so different?
18 months I have had voice strain. I've been to an ENT and there is nothing physically wrong. When I try to hum it is a very interrupted hum like it's going over a corrugated road. It started with a voice tremor but now it's complete strain
Heather, have you had the opportunity to go to a speech therapist?
@@DrDanRobinson i was using a you tube voice therapy and instructions from my niece, a singing teacher who had to learn some of those things. Have a referral for mold illness to check that out, osteopath for the vagus nerve as well as treatment for EBV for the vagus nerve. I have neuralgia so thought the vagus nerve might be a possibility. Had kinesiology too.
@@heatherwardell2501 Hey how are you feeling now, did you get rid of your muscle tension dysphonia & how’d you do it?
I had Covid in jan 6 months ago my voice has been breathy and I can’t sing anymore, My speech pathologist told me to do belting when I sing she said I need to use my voice more so I tried doing that but I’m made it feel more hoarse and breathy, and I have germaphobia and I’m scared to go to hospital to see ENT, ):
This actually helped a little bit ..
I was told by a pathologist that when you begin singing you shouldn't take a breath as it's known to tense the throat. furthermore you should use the breath you have already have in you and breath in once you've expelled the breathe your using. how true is this?
Interesting advice. I'd advise you to watch the following video for an alternative view - ua-cam.com/video/SC4Mnqx6_sM/v-deo.html
As a longtime singer and teacher I'd say that's probably only practical if you sing a single note, for twelve seconds, a night. ;)
I'm being facetious of course, but a good singer is trained to take a relaxed breath so that this particular tension doesn't occur. Because breathing is honestly the thing.
I found out I had this 3 months ago and trying to find a way in this. I cant sing at the moment and have to almost learn to speak again. But it seems that there is some hope. Are there people here who can normally talk without any problems. I am an actor myself. That I cant sing is one thing. Hopefully there is someone who can give some positive info. I am going to work with a voice teacher. I just need to know is it possible to talk normally again
Post Covid screwed my neck and throat up the muscles on both sides of my neck are bulging since 2020 I thought it was my lungs that were affected but it’s actually my neck that’s causing difficulty to breathe I went to Ear Nose Throat doctor and they didn’t do nothing for me said my neck was very stressed like I’m lifting weights when I’m not, especially when I make the E sound , please help!!!!!
Do you think vaping can make larynx damage due to acid reflux make things worse?
I have dysphonia, I have to get laser surgery does that mean my voice wont come back?!? I got sent to therapy... omg😩
S S, the following video may prove helpful - ua-cam.com/video/gb2f5cp1yCY/v-deo.html
@@DrDanRobinson thank you😊 I’m trying everything I can before surgery!
@@seleneb2330 how is speech going, did it cure your muscle tension dysphonia yet?
@@itsjen94 unfortunately my vocal cords were really damaged & I had to get laser surgery, I had therapy for a few weeks and some of the exercises were like Dr Dan’s videos.
That was a very effective exercise.. Thank you very much
You're welcome!
Yea ive been training my voice for two years and still get tension sometime
Hi, mystical secrets. You may find my online singing course helpful - drdan.co/onlinesinginglessons. Feel free to check it out sometime. The first module is free to preview!
This seems to help a lot! Thank You!
You're welcome!
Why is my voice box going down every time I swallow-? And every time I eat it feels tight too, and my voice is kind of scratchy, and it hurts to speak too much, like my doctor thought it was regular strep throat, but this is different.
it works, thank you
Thanks for your useful videos Dan. Musician from Buenos Aires.
Glad you like them!
I'm wondering if i've got a problem like this. struggling to sing without strain recently and a few weeks ago whilst watching tv I had a cramp in my tongue. It was scary. It was so painful and I couldn't speak or swallow
Does any air come out of your mouth when doing the restrained laugh?
Hi Dr Dan,
I was actually diagnosed with MTD it is extreme at times. About 8 months ago it caused a vocal fold hemorrhage. The strangulation is insane that happens in my throat. I am a vocalist and I am going to therapy with the pathologist, and sometimes I bring her different things and I would like to bring her this. So this exercise should I be moving my throat up and down as if I'm laughing and trying not to laugh? I want to make sure I'm doing it correctly. Thank you, Chrissie
I just watched the Dysphonia video again. Speaking memory wise. You are clear in saying to stand up while doing the exercises. The part about slouching because I haven't watched it lately I thought to myself, "Who slouches when they stand up? Lol. And yes. Definitely NO TOYS SOLDIERS! Lol. Wasn't that a song in the 80's. I remember one sung by a female if correct. The chorus had Toy Soldiers as the character of the song. Thanks again. Ttyl, TS.😊.
***** Good point. Glad you pointed that out. It's really a bummer that I can't pretty much go past the first octave since my vocal chord problem. That's where I like to put my heart and soul in as an embellishment when I'm singing certain songs. I'm a guitarist first but when I think about it? Enjoyed singing ever since I could remember. Like since 5. I was listening to Yesterday Once More by the Carpenters and that's the perfect example. I miss not being able to sing what I used to that as well as most of "I've seen all good people by Yes. I usually can do all of Jon's part when singing along. I do the practice the background vocals at times. If I covered it I wouldn't sing the lead. But I had no problem with the background. Or at least I didn't until my problem. Lol, AGAIN! Thanks for responding. I will keep in touch. Sincerely, TS.
I have asthma and I've been wondering if I have MTD. I've been singing for all my life, performing, but I've had trouble singing as of late. I'm not sure if it's due to my asthma, not breathing correctly or ? I was a substitute teacher for many years and sometimes I had to yell just to hear myself speak! I just discovered your video when I did a search on asthma and singing. I'm glad I found you.
Kerrgal, I think it might be time to visit an ENT for a full vocal assessment.
Thanks for feedback!
Dr.Dan! My grate thanks! Happiness & Prosperity! Almaty city Kz CIS
That is how i speak, Dan
I listen to others , think i got it , but,, do i ?
I don't get it ! I did the exercise at the end (the laugh) and my falsetto got back systematically ! What did I do wrong to provoke this loss of head voice ? Thank you !
Liz Ellis has many tips.
I'm surprised there is no information on circumlaryngeal massage here. Cleveland Clinic has seen immediate, drug free results with lasting impact for MTD sufferers. I have had 3 otolaryngologists with different diagnoses, the top three in the state, one of them in the top ten in the country. When the local ENT who misdiagnosed me with strep retired, I went to see the guy who replaced him. More up to speed on current techniques, he applied this technique at my request, as I'd done some at home with decent results. 15 minutes in, I had a fix. Follow up with therapy and what I know from my classical training... good to go. I was out eight.... EIGHT... years. When this happened I had lost my national radio voice over contract, all of my students, and my singing career. Overnight. Literally a day after a biochemical exposure doing landscaping. I was sick, yes. But the very next day... no voice. And I knew how to respond to it, so I know I was not handling it inappropriately. However.... it happened anyway. At one point, I was told I had Mysathenia Gravis and that I'd be in a wheelchair in a year. Seriously!
I am still in recovery but already planning the next radio show... anxious as HELL to get back.
Can you imagine?
Consider this place and the info that you can find on it. In my research it has the most reliable results if that is, in fact, your issue.
Wish you the best of luck. It stinks when you see so many docs and get so many differing answers. I hope you get yours. DO NOT GIVE UP. KEEP SEARCHING. Keep working!
ua-cam.com/video/iV9dM9YGULs/v-deo.html&list=PLOUif6Aaxlkr4BnhuRBYMPwbog5u2KaQ_&index=10
Interesting. As always I HIGHLY recommend allowing a laryngologist to diagnose any vocal concern.
For sure. But few use the technique, in my experience. You really have to push for them to try. A "good to know" for folks running out of options. Too easy to give up hope with this disorder.
@js59695 sounds similar to my scenario. Message. Lets compare notes.
@js59695 maybe i have some Informationens for you- may i wrote you a mail without public?
So I really like my singing voice, but I can only maintain it for a short time. I sing power metal, so there is a lot of volume and distortion. Am I able to sing at high volumes after I teach my muscles to balance themselves properly?