What is myofunctional therapy?

Orofacial myology:

Orofacial Myology: “The study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing/ bolus collection, swallowing, and overall mental and physical health.”

Sandra R. Holtzman, M.S., CCC-SLP, COM, QOM

Myofunctional therapy includes individualized exercises to help the muscles of the mouth/ face function to the BEST of their ability and to correct improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. It addresses the areas of breathing, eating, sleeping, and talking. Therapy is a non-invasive, low-risk way to treat ailments such as: tongue thrust, forward resting tongue posture (between or against teeth), speech sound errors, open mouth posture, oral phase dysphasia, snoring/ sleep apnea, thumb/ finger sucking habits, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and stability of orthodontic treatment. This type of therapy is designed for individuals 4-5 years old and up (it is never too late to help improve function).

From ASHA.org

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).

Breathe Eat Sleep Talk

Breathe Eat Sleep Talk

Myofunctional therapy is a specialized treatment designed to improve oral function by targeting the muscles of the lips, tongue, jaw, and face. It involves learning and practicing specific exercises that enhance muscle coordination and strength. This therapy can address issues such as tongue thrust, mouth breathing, and improper swallowing patterns, helping to restore healthy oral habits and overall well-being. Importantly, it’s never too late to start myofunctional therapy and experience the benefits of improved oral function at any age.

The way we breathe is fundamental to our whole-body wellness, and the tongue’s resting position plays a critical role in this process. Proper tongue posture can support nasal breathing, reduce the risk of sleep-disordered breathing, and promote better digestion and speech clarity. At Breathe Eat Sleep Talk, we offer personalized myofunctional therapy to help you or your child achieve optimal oral health and overall wellness. Contact us today to discover how our expertise in myofunctional therapy can help you be your BEST.

FAQs

Is Myofunctional Therapy only for kids?

No! While it is great to get started early in life, people of any age can benefit from myofunctional therapy. This type of therapy does require the cognitive ability level of at least a 4 year old and includes daily home practice. Ages 4 and up because of ability to follow multi-step directions, development and volitional control.

How often are sessions and how many will I need?

Myofunctional therapy is an individualized therapy program, based on your symptoms and needs. Generally, we recommend starting therapy once per week or every other week to help establish muscle memory and address your needs. Home practice is recommended, daily, while in therapy to help promote best outcomes. The amount of sessions really depends on the individual, we’re happy to discuss your case with you during the evaluation.

What about children under the age of 4?

Younger children and infants can definitely benefit from similar methodology and intervention strategies used in myo; however, for children under 4 (as young as infants), therapy is more appropriately defined as feeding therapy. Please seek help from an SLP or OT specifically trained in feeding therapy.

Does insurance cover myo/ what is the cost?

At this time, Breathe Eat Sleep Talk is an out-of network provider. We recommend that you contact your insurance company before beginning services to learn details about your particular plan and what the reimbursable rate is for out of network providers. Please contact us with questions regarding this.

Does myo help with tongue ties?

All ages benefit from participation in a care plan with an orofacial myologist for pre- and post-frenectomy care. Tongue ties are more complex than just a simple surgical procedure to release the frenulum under the tongue. The whole body should be addressed in your treatment plan, if a release is recommended. Breathe Eat Sleep Talk also offers CFT, which can aid in addressing whole-body function.

Who is qualified to provide myofunctional therapy?

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) operate under the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Myofunctional therapy falls within the scope of practice for SLPs. Click this link to learn about how SLPs view and treat OMDs. Other health professionals such as OT, PT, or dental providers also provide myofunctional therapy services.

Breathing is the bridge between our conscious and unconscious, guiding us from stress to calm. When we breathe deeply and intentionally, we activate the body’s rest and digest mode, fostering healing and restoration from within.

What are signs + symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorders?

  • Tongue thrust

  • Mouth breathing (vs. nasal breathing)

  • Open mouth posture/ Habitual low tongue, lips apart

  • Tongue and Lip Ties

  • Facial/ muscle dysfunction

  • Hypotonic Masseters

  • Sleep disordered breathing/ Sleep Apnea

  • Snoring

  • Drooling or poor lip control (past age 2)

  • Enlarged tonsils/ adenoids

  • Eustachian Tube dysfunctions

  • macroglossia

  • Atypical swallowing/ dysfunction

  • Chewing issues or weakness

  • Open bite

  • Dental malocclusions

  • Incorrect tongue position

  • Clenching/ grinding teeth

  • TMJ pain/ dysfunction

  • Temporomandibular joint disorder

  • Changes in saliva quantity & quality

  • Tongue scalloping

  • Abnormal breathing

  • Tinnitus

  • Cavities and gum disease

  • Finger sucking, Nail biting

  • Thumb sucking

  • Other non-nutritive sucking habits (tongue sucking)

  • Craniofacial Dysfunctions

  • Speech sound errors, up to 80% of children with delays have an OMD

  • Distorted productions of /s, z/ often with an interdental lisp. Abnormal lingual dental articulatory placement for /t, d, l, n, ʧ, ʤ, ʃ, ʓ/

  • infant feeding problems

  • Forward head posture

Watch this insightful video to understand how Myofunctional Therapy can improve tongue posture and nasal breathing, leading to better overall health. At Breathe Eat Sleep Talk, we believe in offering the BEST solutions for your oral wellness. Learn how our holistic approach can help you achieve lasting results through the power of myofunctional therapy.