Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional Therapy teaches exercises…
related to tongue placement, breathing, speaking, chewing and swallowing to help address a wide range of the health problems and conditions including:
- Sleep apnea and snoring
- Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
- Sleep disturbed breathing
- Tongue-tie
- TMJ pain
- Orthodontic and surgical relapse
- Craniofacial growth and appearance concerns
- Headaches and other facial and neck pain and tension
- Postural issues
- ADHD
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Swallowing difficulties
The Four Goals of Myofunctional Therapy are:
- Nasal breathing
- Lip seal
- Proper tongue posture
- Correct swallowing pattern
Not just for kids…
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is also appropriate for adults. In many instances, a myofunctional disorder develops as muscles compensate for a worsening malocclusion, tooth loss or chronic mouth breathing. Adults of all ages are capable of achieving success in treatment.
Myofunctional therapy is an attractive alternative treatment for sleep apnea, for example. It is non-invasive, inexpensive, and involves no major risks. For example, you may be able to avoid the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or even surgery.
How does a typical comprehensive exam work?
This is a list of all the things I evaluate during a myofunctional therapy examination:
- The reason you are considering Myofunctional therapy
- Health history
- Tonsils and adenoids
- Mouth breathing vs. nasal breathing
- Where the tongue rests in the mouth
- Tongue-tie
- Orthodontic treatment
- Speech and articulation
- Jaw pain and dysfunction
- Head, neck and facial pain
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- Facial structure
- Habits such as thumb and finger sucking
For success using this therapy, consistent daily exercise is necessary until your treatment goals are met. It takes a commitment by the patient and/or family(for children) and some time. Treatment usually consists of a regular program of exercises over a 6 – 12 month period, although treatment length may vary depending on individual needs.
It takes a commitment by the patient, family ~ and some time. Treatment usually consists of a regular program of exercises over a 6 – 12 month period, although treatment length may vary depending on individual needs.
