Vocal cord paralysis occurs when the vocal cords do not open or close properly, according to The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. United Bristol Healthcare recommends speech therapy that involves breathing exercises to treat this disorder. Exercises may enhance control over the throat, suppress abnormal vocal cord movements and improve airflow. UBH suggests using these exercises when you do not have symptoms of vocal cord paralysis.
Pursed Lips
Stand in front of a mirror and gently exhale through your mouth while narrowing the opening and pursing your lips. Do not pucker. Instead, keep your lips symmetrical. Use the mirror to make sure your lips stay symmetrical and do not let your lower lip touch your upper teeth. Whisper a soft "ffffffffffff" or hissing sound as you exhale through your mouth.
Pursed Bursts
This is similar to the pursed lips exercise but may be more comfortable for some people. Go to a mirror and stand or sit with proper posture. Exhale through your mouth while pursing your lips to narrow the opening. Use the mirror to make sure your lips are symmetrical instead of puckered and avoid letting your lower lip touch your teeth. Whisper short bursts of an "ffff ffff ffff ffff" or a hissing sound in several breaths.
Seven Eleven
Hyperventilation may occur in people with vocal cord paralysis and other breathing disorders. You can suppress hyperventilation with a breathing exercise by sitting down, closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing. Inhale throughout the count to seven then exhale throughout the count to 11. United Bristol Healthcare suggests that performing this exercise regularly can reduce your level of anxiety and may become automatic when you become anxious in the future. This exercise promotes relaxation that can inhibit your body's production of stress hormones.
Abdominal Breathing
Lay down or sit comfortably with straight posture. Rest one hand gently on your abdomen, position your thumb on your belly button and put your fingers below your thumb slightly lower on your abdomen. Focus your attention on your lower abdominal muscles while breathing. Bring your abdomen muscles in toward your back while exhaling. Your stomach should get smaller as you exhale. Use your abdominal muscles to expand your stomach as you inhale. Avoid using your chest or throat muscles to breathe. You can place your other hand on your chest to make sure your chest is not moving during the exercise.
