Dry Needling of Anterior Neck Muscles in a Patient With Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Case Report

Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a functional voice disorder commonly treated with voice therapy. However, the role of physiotherapy-specifically dry needling (DN)-has not been explored in the literature. This case report describes a 40-year-old male with persistent vocal fatigue, hoarseness, and anterior neck tightness associated with MTD. He underwent three sessions of DN targeting the anterior neck muscles. Outcome measures included the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), which improved from 73 to 54, and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) score, which improved from 37 to 24. The patient also reported improved voice clarity, reduced vocal effort, and decreased neck discomfort. This case suggests DN may be a promising adjunctive intervention for MTD and highlights the need for further investigation into its role in interdisciplinary voice care.