Vocal Cord Dysfunction Exercises: Techniques for Better Breathing

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a condition affecting airflow during breathing. Speech-language pathologists (SLP) often teach specialized exercises to manage symptoms. This article will outline techniques, exercises, and professional help options.

What Is Vocal Cord Dysfunction?

VCD is inappropriate closure of the vocal cords during breathing. It is also sometimes referred to as exercise induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) when the symptoms are brought on by exertion or exercise. VCD/EILO is different from asthma although they share common symptoms, including shortness of breath, throat tightness, and wheezing. WIth VCD/EILP, breathing retraining and therapy can help to manage these symptoms.

Why Breathing Retraining Is Key for VCD Management

Breathing patterns influence vocal cord behavior. The goal of VCD exercises is to retrain the cords to stay open during inhalation and exhalation. Breathing retraining can reduce episode frequency and severity. These techniques should be taught by an experienced SLP for best results.

Essential Vocal Cord Dysfunction Breathing Exercises

Diaphragmatic Breathing

• Focus on belly expansion, not chest movement.
• Slow inhale through the nose and exhale through pursed lips ("ssss" or hissing sound).
• Relaxation of shoulders and chest.

Relaxed Throat Breathing

• Visualize an open throat during breathing.
• Keep the mouth and jaw slightly open while inhaling slowly.
• The goal is to prevent vocal cord constriction.

Pursed Lip Breathing

• Exhaling through pursed lips maintains airway pressure.
• Often used during early signs of an episode to prevent escalation

7:11 Breathing Technique

• Breathe in for 7 counts, exhale for 11 counts.
• Useful for calming the nervous system and reducing panic during VCD attacks.

Quick Sniff Technique

• Take 2-3 quick sniffs followed by a long exhale with a hiss.
• Helps open the vocal cords quickly during tightness.

Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs) for Strengthening

VFEs are specialized exercises to enhance vocal cord control. These exercises support more stable airflow during breathing and speech and are comprised of four steps:

• Warm-up: perform a maximum phonation time (MPT) trial on vowel /i/
• Stretching: perform pitch glides from low pitch to high pitch using a forward focus. The word “whoop” is often used for this exercise
• Contracting: perform pitch glides from high pitch to low pitch. The word “boom” is often used for this exercise.
• Power exercises: sustain phonation to keep the cords adducted using the vowel /o/

Important Tips Before Starting VCD Exercises

Consult your physician and a speech-language pathologist before beginning exercises. It is important to engage in regular, consistent practice for best results. Avoid attempting exercises during severe episodes without guidance, and track improvements over time.

When to Seek Professional Help for Vocal Cord Dysfunction

A custom exercise program may be needed based on individual triggers. It is important to seek intervention early to prevent worsening of symptoms. These signs suggest it’s time to work with an SLP:

• Frequent episodes
• Anxiety around breathing
• Lack of progress

Ready to Breathe Easier with Professional Support?

VCD can be effectively managed with therapy and exercises. Personalized support and guidance from a speech-language pathologist is often the key to improvement. Book a consultation with Verse Therapy today for tailored VCD treatment: “Book Your Consultation”