What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional Therapy is centered around exercises that address proper tongue placement, chewing, swallowing and breathing. The focus is to help a wide range of problems and conditions including:
- Sleep Disturbed Breathing (SDB)
- Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)
- Sleep Apnea
- Tongue-tie
- TMJ pain
- Tongue-thrust
- Orthodontic relapse
- Craniofacial growth and appearance concerns
- Headaches and other facial/neck pain and tension
- Postural issues
What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
The orofacial muscles, the muscles of the face and oral cavity, have many functions. Smiling, talking, chewing and most importantly breathing. When these muscle are restricted (think tongue-tie) or continue in bad habits (think tongue-thrust or past thumb-sucking) over time, the craniofacial development will be altered to a subpar function. This is called Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD).
Breathing is not optional so the body will perform this task by any means possible. This can result in compensations if there are restricted muscles in the face or tongue. Compensations of mouth breathing, clenching and grinding teeth, snoring, and more are considered Myofunctional Disorders.
The Four Goals of Myofunctional Therapy are:
- Nasal Breathing
- Lip Seal
- Proper tongue posture
- Correct swallowing pattern
The benefits come from implementing the Four Goals of Myofunctional Therapy. Proper tongue-at-rest posture and movement is the focus.
Identifying Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders early allows you success in correcting bad habits or physiological challenges that need to be addressed in order to restore proper mouth function.
*The information on this website is in no way considered to be medical advice and is in no way intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease, symptom, or condition. Medical advice should be obtained from an appropriately qualified and licensed medical professional. Please consult with your doctor for any change in lifestyle.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
