Why Savannah Needs Time Off Work to Heal Her Voice Nodules and Polyp

As a voice therapist and owner of Live Well Speech Therapy in Provo, Utah, I work with professionals whose careers depend on their voices—teachers, professors, healthcare workers, sales professionals, etc. Over the past few months, when I’ve had the Today Show on while I get ready in the morning, I’ve been curious about the hoarseness in Savannah’s voice. This morning Savannah solved the mystery when she reported that she will be taking time off for treatment of  vocal fold nodules and a vocal polyp.

While many people hope voice therapy alone can “fix” these conditions while continuing business as usual, the truth is this: true vocal healing requires rest, recovery, and reduced vocal demand. For Savannah, taking time off work is not a setback—it is a medically necessary step toward long-term vocal health.

Understanding Vocal Nodules and Polyps

Vocal nodules and polyps are benign lesions that develop on the vocal folds due to repeated stress and misuse. They are similar to calluses or blisters that form after excessive friction.

Common causes include:

• Prolonged speaking or projecting the voice

• Speaking over background noise

• Poor breath support

• High-stress vocal environments

• Inadequate vocal rest

When Savannah continues working in a vocally demanding role, the vocal folds are repeatedly colliding with force—preventing healing and often worsening the damage.

Why Working Through It Delays Healing

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is: “I’ll just talk less at work.” Unfortunately, partial vocal rest rarely works in jobs that require frequent communication. Additionally, talking less at work is often an unrealistic hope.

Here’s why continuing to work can stall recovery:

• Inflammation persists when the vocal folds don’t get extended rest

• Compensatory muscle tension increases, causing further strain

• Hoarseness becomes chronic rather than temporary

• Therapy progress slows or plateaus

• The risk of surgical intervention increases

Savannah’s voice is sending a clear signal that it needs time to reset.

Voice Therapy Works Best With Reduced Vocal Load

Voice therapy is highly effective for nodules and polyps—but only when paired with meaningful vocal load reduction. Taking time off allows Savannah to:

• Practice therapy techniques without vocal overuse

• Reduce swelling so the vocal folds can vibrate efficiently

• Eliminate harmful compensatory speaking patterns

• Build healthier voice habits from a rested baseline

Think of it like physical therapy for a knee injury—you wouldn’t run a marathon while trying to heal. The voice is no different.

Short-Term Rest for Long-Term Career Protection

Many professionals fear taking time off because they worry about falling behind. However, untreated voice disorders often lead to:

• Chronic hoarseness

• Reduced vocal stamina

• Increased sick days

• Permanent voice changes

• Career limitations

By stepping away now, Savannah is actively protecting her long-term ability to communicate confidently and comfortably at work.

The Goal: A Stronger, More Sustainable Voice

Time off work doesn’t mean silence forever—it means strategic healing. With guided voice therapy, education, and proper rest, Savannah can return to work with:

• Improved vocal endurance

• Reduced strain and fatigue

• Clearer voice quality

• Tools to prevent recurrence

If you or someone you know is having difficulty with your voice, you need to see an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist) for imaging. If appropriate, they will refer you to a speech therapist to help you get your best voice back. It is important that you receive treatment from a clinic such as Live Well Speech Therapy that is specially trained in voice.  We accept private pay as well as most insurances.  Reach out to us at via phone call or text at (801) 420-4083, or by e-mail.