Vocal Therapy Q&A

Let me start of by saying "I Know!". I feel it too. It seems like all I write or blog about is my voice, or lack thereof, and the joys of getting it back. Maybe it is because my life is so completely boring that it is the only thing going on. Nope. Not that. It is because it plays such a huge role in my life and is probably one of the most important things to get figured out. Many people have asked me questions. Writing is my way to explain what exactly is going on and answer questions. Plus, it is easier for me to write the answers to the questions that I am getting asked than to say them. That would take an entire week or more at this point. I started therapy this past week. Some of the questions I have been asked are: What exactly is  wrong? What is vocal therapy? What does it consist of? How long will it take? Where is it at? What can you do for it? Of course, I'm sure there are more, but these are the ones I want to focus on.

What exactly is wrong?

As I stated in a previous post, I have been diagnosed with Muscle Tension Dysphonia. There are some different causes of the condition. It is basically a vocal injury. When a runner sprains his or her ankle, and keeps running on it, the damage becomes worse. That is what has happened with the vocal cords. There were injured and I kept talking, which made this worse. Basically it means I cannot talk. I could whisper, but have been told not too. It's not that I don't try either. The voice just doesn't exist. It is a completely curable condition, but it requires therapy.

What is vocal therapy?

Vocal therapy is like physical therapy, except through speech and noises. The therapy serves the purpose of helping one to regain their voice using proper speech methods and avoiding further damage and injury.

What does it consist of?

Good question! I had no clue what to expect when I got there. We started with some massages and stretches to help relieve the tension. We also worked on proper breathing techniques. Then I was asked to start making noises and forming words. The main difference in the speaking is the technique. I am learning how to speak from my diaphragm, rather than how I've been doing it all along. To make it work, my breathing has to be controlled and steady. I have used straws and sighs to get that going. We started on "M" words, like mark, mild, meek, map, men, etc. The next session we work on those words again, but added another syllable so it would be words like money, market, machine, mango, matchbox, etc. The next session I was chanting a little and speaking in small simple sentences, though not very well at all. I still have a long way to go. I also did buzzes and trills with my lips. All of this is coming from the diaphragm.

My diaphragm is not used to working this much and it has affected my stomach. The second day of therapy was hard because my stomach was having issues and not thrilled at all.

How long will it take?

The honest answer is I really don't know. The first week was three sessions. Next week will be three sessions as well. After that, I'm not sure. She (the therapist) did say it could take longer if my stomach has issues, because it takes more time and effort to get words out of me. It could be a couple weeks or months. I wish I knew exactly, but I really don't.

Where is it at?

My therapy is taking place on the campus of the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake. They have a special clinic there. There is not a vocal specialist where I live or where my parents are, so the decision of where to do therapy was an easy one. It has been nice because I have family and friends down there that I can stay with overnight, which allows me not to have to drive back and forth every day.

What can be done for it?

The biggest thing is therapy. That is going to be the biggest help. Through therapy, I have been given assignments, exercises, stretches and massages to help me regain the voice more efficiently. As I write this, I have a heat pack around my neck to loosen the muscles and release tension. Then I will start with my breathing exercises, using the diaphragm. After the breathing, I will do some stretches and massages to loosen the area. Then I will start making noises and work on my lists of words to learn to say. I'll start with one-syllable words, then two-syllable words, and then I will work on the short sentences and chants, if my voice is not too tired by then. To end, I will stretch and massage the throat area. Then I will do the arm and back stretches to release the tension in those areas as well. It will come back with time.

First, I want to apologize to those who it seem that I have ignored or not given the attention you deserve. It has been difficult to be social or to want to communicate with others, when I am so limited. Also, I want to thank you all for your patience with me. It is so evident to me how difficult it is for others to deal with this. . Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Both are truly needed and felt. One day, I will get to be social again and it will be grand! I look forward to that and paying forward the love and prayers that I have received.