Persistent voice strain, vocal fatigue, hoarseness, or discomfort when speaking can be frustrating—especially when rest or vocal hygiene alone doesn’t help. For many individuals, these symptoms are caused by muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), a voice condition involving excessive or inefficient muscle use during speaking.

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At Journey Counseling Center, we provide specialized muscle tension dysphonia treatment through evidence-based voice and speech therapy for individuals in Oklahoma City and Edmond. Our speech therapy services focus on reducing vocal strain, restoring healthy voice production, and helping clients feel more comfortable and confident using their voice.

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What Is Muscle Tension Dysphonia?

Muscle tension dysphonia is a functional voice disorder that occurs when the muscles around the larynx (voice box) are overly tight or improperly coordinated during speech. This tension interferes with normal voice production and can lead to discomfort and ongoing voice problems.

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MTD can develop on its own or alongside other factors such as stress, illness, vocal overuse, or emotional strain.

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Common Symptoms of Muscle Tension Dysphonia

Individuals with muscle tension dysphonia may experience the following symptoms that often worsen with prolonged voice use or during stressful periods:

• Hoarseness or a strained voice

• Vocal fatigue or soreness after talking

• Tightness in the throat, neck, or jaw

• Voice that cuts out or feels weak

• Difficulty projecting or sustaining the voice

• Pain or discomfort when speaking or singing

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Muscle tension dysphonia therapy can be especially helpful for certain people and early intervention often leads to better results:

• Professionals who rely heavily on their voice

• Teachers, speakers, and performers

• Individuals experiencing stress-related voice changes

• Those diagnosed with primary or secondary MTD

• People with ongoing voice symptoms despite medical clearance

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How Speech Therapy Helps Treat Muscle Tension Dysphonia

Speech therapy is the primary treatment for muscle tension dysphonia. Rather than focusing only on the voice itself, therapy addresses the underlying muscle patterns contributing to tension and strain.

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Muscle tension dysphonia treatment with our speech therapist Suzanne Ritchal may include the following to improve your vocal health:​

• Reducing excess muscle tension in the voice and neck

• Improving breath support and coordination

• Retraining efficient voice production

• Increasing body awareness and vocal ease

• Developing strategies for sustainable voice use

Contact us today to start speech therapy with Suzanne for Muscle Tension Dysphonia.

• Suzanne Ritchal, Speech Language Pathologist