Myofunctional therapy: Breathe Eat Sleep Talk
If you’ve been researching ways to address issues like mouth breathing, tongue thrust, or persistent speech problems, you might have come across the term "myofunctional therapy." But what exactly is myofunctional therapy, and why should you consider working with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) at Breathe Eat Sleep Talk for these concerns? This blog post will delve into these questions to help you make an informed decision.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized treatment that focuses on the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. These muscles are crucial for everyday functions such as breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing. When these muscles do not function properly, it can lead to a variety of issues, including:
Mouth Breathing: Instead of breathing through the nose, which is optimal, some people habitually breathe through their mouth, which can lead to issues such as dry mouth, bad breath, and even sleep disturbances.
Tongue Thrust: This occurs when the tongue pushes against the teeth during swallowing, speaking, or even at rest, potentially leading to orthodontic issues like an open bite or other misalignments.
Improper Swallowing Patterns: Difficulty swallowing correctly can impact digestion and oral health.
Improper oral rest posture: This could include but is not limited to the tongue resting low in the mouth, lips slightly open or jaw wider than it should be.
Speech Issues: Articulation problems or unclear speech may also be tied to improper oral muscle function.
Myofunctional therapy uses specific exercises to correct these dysfunctions, helping to retrain the muscles to work properly. Over time, this can lead to improvements in breathing, swallowing, speech, and even sleep quality. It’s my favorite type of therapy as a speech language pathologist because it uses evidence based practice, our muscles, and helps reprogram the brain to help us be our BEST. (see why I chose the name Breathe, Eat, Sleep, Talk?)
Why a Speech-Language Pathologist?
While various healthcare providers may offer myofunctional therapy, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely qualified to provide this treatment for several reasons:
1. Expertise in Oral Function: SLPs are extensively trained in the anatomy and physiology of the oral and facial structures. They have a deep understanding of how these structures interact to produce speech, manage swallowing, and maintain proper breathing patterns. This makes them particularly skilled at identifying and addressing the root causes of dysfunction.
2. Holistic Approach: SLPs don’t just focus on one aspect of your oral health; they consider how all parts of the oral-facial complex work together. For example, while an orthodontist might correct the alignment of your teeth, an SLP will ensure that your tongue, lips, and other muscles function correctly to support that alignment over the long term.
3. Integrated Treatment: SLPs can seamlessly integrate myofunctional therapy with other speech and language interventions. If you or your child has speech articulation issues in addition to tongue thrust, an SLP can create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both simultaneously.
4. Customized Care: SLPs are trained to tailor therapy to each individual’s needs. They assess your unique situation and develop a personalized plan that targets your specific challenges, ensuring that therapy is effective and sustainable.
5. Continuing Education in orofacial myology: Many SLPs (like the ones at Breathe Eat Sleep Talk), have additional training in myofunctional therapy, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques. This commitment to ongoing education ensures that you receive the highest standard of care. This treatment modality, like many others in the field of speech-language pathology, requires several additional training hours.
6. SLP degree and education: To become an SLP, one must first obtain a Master’s degree from an accredited program, including up to 60 credit hours (some other masters programs require as little as 30 hours), then 1,600 hours of supervised clinical experience, a passing grade on the national exam, the PRAXIS, and continuing education of at least 30 hours every 3 years.
What to Expect During Myofunctional Therapy
During your first session, the SLP will perform a thorough evaluation to assess your oral and facial muscle function. This might include examining your tongue posture, breathing patterns, and swallowing techniques. We also look at the WHOLE body, including pictures of your whole body to help with the best plan of care. Based on this assessment, the SLP will design a series of exercises tailored to your needs.
These exercises might involve:
Strengthening the tongue and facial muscles.
Improving nasal breathing.
Improving tongue rest posture.
Ensuring lip seal at rest.
Correcting swallowing patterns.
Enhancing speech clarity.
Over time, these exercises help retrain your muscles to function correctly, leading to lasting improvements in your oral health and overall well-being.
Why Breathe Eat Sleep Talk?
When I set out to create my business, I knew the name needed to embody everything I stand for—something simple yet powerful, memorable, and easy to grasp. More importantly, I wanted it to reflect the heart and purpose behind my work. My passion lies in empowering others to achieve their BEST selves, which is why Breathe Eat Sleep Talk was born. These four words capture the essence of myofunctional therapy and the holistic approach I take to health and well-being. I hope that as you explore this page, you feel the intention and dedication that drives everything I do.
Conclusion
Myofunctional therapy offers a powerful solution for those struggling with issues related to oral muscle dysfunction. By working with a Speech-Language Pathologist, you can ensure that your therapy is comprehensive, customized, and backed by a deep understanding of how oral functions impact your overall health. Whether you’re dealing with a tongue tie, speech issues, or simply want to improve your breathing and swallowing, an SLP can guide you on your journey to better health.
If you have any questions or are considering myofunctional therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you every step of the way!
