What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is a voice disorder caused by excessive muscle tension in and around the larynx resulting in a hoarse of strained voice. Muscle Tension Dysphonia produces vocal symptoms without any physical damage to the larynx. It can be caused due to multiple factors including longterm ineffective voice use, voice overuse, laryngo-pharyngeal reflux and emotional stress. It is typically seen in people who use their voices for work - such as teachers, actors and singers.
While the initial cause may go away, the voice changes remain because of the ineffective habitual voice use.
Why do I lose my voice when talking a lot?
Jobs that require lots of talking and projection may result in voice overuse and voice abuse. Professions such as teachers, actors and singers may lose their voices. This can have an impact financially and can feel stressful. Our UK Voice therapists will help you identify the causal factors and put together a bespoke plan to support you in improving your voice.
What are the symptoms of Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
The most common symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia include:
Voice that sounds hoarse or strained
Voice becomes weaker and more effort the longer your voice is used.
Difficulty singing notes that used to be easy.
Pain or tension in your throat
Feeling like there is something in your throat that needs to be cleared.
How is Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) diagnosed in the UK?
Typically, if you are experiencing voice difficulties, your GP will refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) for an assessment of your voice. Muscle Tension Dysphonia is diagnosed through the evaluation of your larynx using a camera in your nose to view your vocal folds. This is not a painful procedure.
What is the Treatment for Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) in the UK?
The treatment for Muscle Tension Dysphonia is voice therapy to reduce muscle tension and focus on effective voice use. You are likely to require 3-6 sessions of voice therapy to improve your voice.
Do I need Voice therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
Yes. Voice therapy is the recommended and most effective treatment for Muscle Tension Dysphonia. While some people may notice temporary improvement when they rest their voice or reduce stress, the underlying habitual tension patterns in the throat usually remain. Because MTD is caused by inefficient voice use and excessive laryngeal muscle tension, the problem typically returns as soon as the voice is used again in the same way.
What does Voice Therapy in the UK involve for Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD)?
Voice therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the UK involves:
Vocal hygiene advice to protect your voice
Bespoke voice exercises tailored to your needs
Techniques to reduce laryngeal tension
Improving breath support for speech
Eliminating harmful vocal behaviours
Enhancing pitch, volume, and vocal amplification
How long does it take for Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) to go away?
Most people require 3-6 sessions that they typically book weekly. It is very important that you follow the advice and complete the exercises given by the Voice Therapist outside of sessions to assist in your recovery.
Is a hoarse voice a symptom of anxiety or stress?
A hoarse voice as a result of Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) may be linked with stress or anxiety. We all feel stress in different parts of our body and some people of vulnerable to holding tension within their laryngeal area. Our Voice Therapists have counselling skills that can support you to understand the emotional causes of your voice problem. If a voice problem is affecting your work, this can be an additional financial stress. Through voice therapy we can support you to improve your voice through vocal techniques to help you feel more relaxed.
Can I have Voice Therapy with the NHS in the UK?
The referral from GP to ENT can be a quick process. Unfortunatly, the wait for NHS voice therapy may take months, which could impact on your work. Our voice therapists are able to see you promptly within one week of the consultation.
Is online voice therapy as effective as face- to-face?
Yes. The research shows it is as effective. It is also likely to be cheaper. Many people now choose online voice therapy, which allows you to work with a highly experienced clinical voice specialist regardless of where you live.
At The Speech Network, our UK-based private voice therapists offer nationwide appointments and can typically see you within one week of the initial consultation. We have no waiting list. This means you can access specialist support without needing to travel, and you can choose appointment times that fit around work and family life.
Why Choose The Speech Network for private voice therapy?
Our UK-based private voice therapists are all Clinical Specialists in Voice, each with a minimum of 12 years’ experience. They currently work, or have previously worked, as Senior Voice Therapists within the NHS.
All our therapists are fully registered and accredited, including:
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)
Members of the British Voice Association
Specialist training and accreditation in voice therapy techniques.
Our private voice therapy team is highly rated, with outstanding 5-star Google reviews and recognition as a 2024 Quality Business Award winner.
Specialist Training & Accreditation
Our private voice therapists are accredited in:
Myofascial Release manual therapy
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®)
Advanced Laryngeal Manipulation
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy in the UK.