Myofunctional Therapy for Adults & Kids

 

  

RE-ESTABLISH INHERENT FUNCTION, FORM, & BALANCE  

 

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy uses specific exercises to correct the maladaptive resting and movement patterns of the tongue, lips and muscles of the face. Therapy targets proper function of the orofacial musculature at rest, during eating and swallowing, and for healthy breathing patterns.

 

“Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is neurological re-education to assist the normalization of the developing, or developed, craniofacial structures and function. It is related to the study, research, prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of functional and structural alterations in the region of the mouth (oro), face (facial), and regions of the neck (oropharyngeal area).” (Academy of Oro Myofunctional Therapy, AOMT). 

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What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?

“Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are patterns involving oral and orofacial musculature that interfere with normal growth, development, or function of orofacial structures, or call attention to themselves (Mason, n.d.A). OMDs can be found in children, adolescents, and adults. OMDs can co-occur with a variety of speech and swallowing disorders. OMD may reflect the interplay of learned behaviors, physical/structural variables, genetic and environmental factors” (Maspero, Prevedello, Giannini, Galbiati, & Farronato, 2014) www.asha.org 

These are the most common red flags for OMDs in Adults and/or Children: 

  • Mouth breathing
  • Snoring & sleep apnea
  • Tongue & lip tie 
  • Dental & periodontic issues
  • TMJ pain, popping, or clicking
  • Bruxism (clenching/grinding teeth)
  • Chronic nasal congestion 
  • Difficulty swallowing certain foods or liquids
  • Orthodontic relapse
  • Oral Habits (nail biting, digit sucking, bottle, pacifier, or sippy cup use beyond 12 months)
  • Drooling
  • Articulation Disorder
  • Picky / Messy Eating
  • Atypical swallow pattern 

 

What are the potential impacts of OMDs?

There is a growing body of research looking into the impact of untreated OMDs and the effect on dental, physical, and mental health. Below are some examples of how untreated OMDs can develop into a variety of health issues:

 

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) > Linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic deceases, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, memory problems,  ADHD.

  • Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in children and Pediactric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) > linked to learning difficulties and behavioral issues

  • Mouth breathing > Linked to dentofacial abnormalities, eating & digestive issues, anxiety, chronic respiratory issues, bad breath, dental decay and gum disease, snoring and sleep disordered breathing

  • Clenching/Grinding (i.e.Bruisxm) > Gum recession, dental & periodontic issues, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, poor posture

  • Atypical swallow > Digestive issues, feeding difficulties, jaw pain

  • Use of bottles/pacifiers beyond 1yr > Abnormal dentofacial growth, malocclusion, atypical swallow, mouth breathing

  • Articulation disorders > Communication difficulties, potentially negative impacts on self-esteem

How can myofunctional therapy help?

Myofunctional Therapy helps to correct movement patterns of the facial muscles and tongue used for breathing, chewing & swallowing, and articulation. Therapy facilitates:

 

  • Healthy structural growth & function of the orofacial complex
  • Nasal breathing
  • Reduction in severity of sleep disordered breathing (in children), snoring and sleep apnea in adults
  • Stabilization following orthodontic treatment
  • Better functional outcomes and stabilazation of correct movement patterns following lip and/or tongue tie release
  • Improved swallow and chewing function, improved digestion
  • Remediation of speech sound disorders related to a myofunctional disorder
  • Elimination of thumb sucking, nail biting, pacifier, and bottle use 
  • Symmetry and aesthetics of a person’s appearance

What are the benefits of Myofunctional therapy?

Here are just some of the most commonly reported benefits

  • BETTER SLEEP 
  • REDUCTION IN TEETH GRINDING & CLENCHING 
  • MORE RESILIENT IMMUNE SYSTEM 
  • INCREASED FACIAL SYMMETRY 
  • IMPROVED ARTICULATION 
  • FINANCIAL SAVINGS BY REDUCING MEDICAL, DENTAL, & ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT RELATED TO THE SYMPTOMS OF UNTREATED OMDS
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The Process

Please check out the SERVICES & FAQ pages for more information

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Consultation

Book a consultation to see if Myofunctional therapy is the right direction for you.
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Assessment

Following your consultation schedule an assessment. Getting to the root cause is the next step.
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Treatment Plan

Once we understand the 'why' of the OMD, together we will build a treatment plan that is designed to work into your daily routines.

TRIPLE POINT SPEECH THERAPY

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UTILIZES A MULTI-DICIPLINARY APPROACH

Working with a team of related healthcare providers is essential to successful treatment outcomes.
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INDIVIDUALIZES CARE

Treatment plans are designed to meet your specific concerns and needs.
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ENCOURAGES CLIENT EDUCATION

We encourage clients to learn and ask questions. We will guide you toward resources that facilitate building knowledge in this area.

BREATHE. EAT. SPEAK.

THESE FOUNDATIONAL FUNCTIONS ARE MEANT TO EXIST IN EQUILIBRIUM AND FLOW.

 

In thermodynamics, the Triple Point of a substance is the temperature and pressure at which the three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) of that substance coexist in thermodynamic equilibrium.

   

 GET BACK TO YOUR INHERENT EQUILIBRUIM