Spasmodic dysphonia -- also known as SD -- is a condition that causes your vocal cords to open and close involuntarily. This affects your speech and tone of voice because air cannot flow properly through the vocal folds. Although different types of SD exist, it can affect your ability to pronounce consonants like p, t, l, s, f, h and th, according to the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association. Symptoms have been shown to improve when you practice regular exercises to control the vocal folds.
Warm Up
Before beginning your SD exercises for the vocal cords, warm up and relax the vocal cords via massage. Gently place your fingers on either side at the base of your voice box and apply gentle pressure. Make a circular motion with your fingertips, moving the fingers upward toward your chin. Once you reach the top of your voice box, massage the fingers back down toward the base of your neck.
Chair Lift/Wall Push
When you lift or push an object, your vocal folds close naturally due to the pressure, according to Dr. Bridget Russell, a speech pathologist. To perform, stand an arm's length in front of a wall. Place your palms on the wall and push against the wall for two counts. Repeat eight times. Next, find a lightweight chair -- such as a folding chair -- and pull it upward toward your body. Do not continue to perform this activity if it causes strain. Slowly lower the chair to the ground. Repeat eight times.
Palm Press
This exercise is similar to the wall push but does not require as much strength to perform. Sit in a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the ground. Grasp your palms together in front of your chest, relaxing the shoulders. Do not let the shoulders lift up to your ears. Inhale deeply, then hold your breath for three to five seconds. Push your palms together as you exhale, saying "ahhhhh" as long as possible during your exhale. Relax the hands. Repeat the exercise between five and eight times.
Flexibility Drill
This exercise improves vocal fold flexibility, according to Russell. To perform, open your mouth slightly and pronounce the letter "A" in as deep a voice as you can. Slowly increase the pitch of your voice, making the voice sound higher until you reach the "A" sound as high as you can. Once you reach this point, slowly deepen your voice to return to your starting voice. Rest the vocal cords for 30 seconds, then repeat three to five times.
