Speech language pathologists may play a significant role  in the evaluation and recommendation of voice treatment for individuals that have spasmodic dysphonia. The NSDA states that, "Speech therapy is generally seen as a possibly helpful adjunct to other therapies such as botulinum toxin (BTX) injection and to help SD patients who have excess voice strain to "unload" some muscle tension (2014)."  It has been found that speech language pathology services alone are most beneficial to patients that exhibit a mild spasmodic dysphonia. A SLP can use techniques such relaxation, breath control, maintaining steady airflow during vocal production, and pitch and loudness modifications to help improve a patient's voice. SLPs usually engage in these techniques before and/or  after vocal surgery to maintain proper vocal use. Recent studies have shown that cutting of the recurrent laryngeal nerve to paralyze one vocal cord appeared to reduce the force of vocal cord closure. There was a return of voice symptoms within 6 months to 3 years of surgery in almost two thirds of these patients. Many patients were worse than before. Speech-language pathology treatment was often recommended after surgery. 

Example Techniques Used by SLPs for Spasmodic Dysphonia 

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  • Laryngeal Massage- Gently place your fingers on either side at the base of your larynx and apply light pressure. Make a circular motion with your fingertips, moving the fingers upward toward your chin. Once you reach the top of your larynx, massage the fingers back down toward the base of your neck. This promotes relaxation and prepares the vocal mechanism for vocal production.

  • Flexibility Drill- This exercise is used for vocal fold flexibility. To perform this drill open your mouth and pronounce the letter "A" in the lowest pitch possible. Slowly increase the your pitch, making the sound higher until you reach the highest pitch possible. Begin slowly lowering your pitch level to return to your starting pitch. Rest the vocal cords for 30 seconds, then repeat three to five times.
  • For individuals with adductor type initiate words and phrases with the /h/ phoneme (easy onsets). For individuals with the abductor type have them begin humming before speaking. These techniques are used to lessen the tension and relax the vocal folds before phonation occurs.

  • Environmental factors are important for the individual with spasmodic dysphonia to consider. The use of an amplifier in noisy areas may be effective if pitch and/or loudness are decayed.

  • Consider the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices if verbal communication is severely impaired.
Sources:
ASHA. (n.d.). Spasmodic dysphonia. Retrieved from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/spasmodicdysphonia/
PDResources. (n.d.). PDResources. Retrieved May 5, 2014, from http://www.pdresources.org/blog_data/north-dakota-speech-language-                                pathologists-continuing-education-and-license-renewal/
Spasmodic dysphonia . (1997-2014). Retrieved , from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/spasmodicdysphonia/
Speech Therapy . (2014). Retrieved , from https://www.dysphonia.org/speech-therapy.php
Nall, R. (2013). Breathing exercises for spasmodic dysphonia. Retrieved from                                                                                                                                                             http://www.livestrong.com/article/343407-breathing-exercises-for-spasmodic-dysphonia/.