What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Put simply, myofunctional therapy is a program used to correct the improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. It involves strengthening of the tongue and orofacial muscles by teaching individuals how to engage the muscles in the appropriate position.
Using highly effective physical therapy exercises to improve eating, speaking, breathing, sleeping, and orofacial posture.
Proper diagnosis allows for targeted and effective physical therapy exercises for oral posture retraining to promote better health with goals to improve breathing, reduce pain, and enhance the quality of life.
Who can benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy may benefit those who suffer from a variety of ailments, including:
- Headaches
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Neck pain
- Thumb sucking
- Nail biting
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Allergies
Myfunctional therapy works for all ages.
Although this type of therapy works best on children and adolescents, adults also can benefit. For adults a myofunctional disorder can develop due to malocclusion, tooth loss or late or underdeveloped jaw growth. Your body is always changing and remodeling itself—and myofunctional therapy capitalizes on the fact that your jawbones are among the most dynamic bones in the entire body. That means they’re more receptive to the forces released when performing myofunctional therapy.
Of all the treatment options available, myofunctional therapy is probably the least invasive. In many cases, all we’re talking about is performing some simple exercises for a few minutes a day. Myofunctional therapy helps to retrain the soft tissues of your face, neck and mouth just like physical therapy. You may be able to avoid surgery or the use of a Cpap machine by doing myofunctional therapy. You can often do these exercises anytime and anywhere you want. Do them while you’re watching TV or while you’re cooking dinner. You can even do them while driving to work.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy?
- Improved speech
- Reduction in teeth grinding
- Reduced nasal obstruction
- Reduction in sleep apnea
- Straighten teeth
- Better facial symmetry
- Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
- Ability to move oral muscles properly
- Increasing the tone and mobility of oral structures
- Correct use of oral structures
A personalized approach to Myofunctional Therapy
I feel that my personalized approach to Myofunctional Therapy comes from my many years working in the dental field. I have seen many options for people in the years I have worked as a dental hygienist, and It is my goal to help you achieve better overall health with therapy.
Healthy Habits for Life
Affordable Therapy
Individualized Care
Patients of all Ages
Let’s Chat
We’re here to help. Request a callback today!