Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy is specific exercises directed toward re-education of the muscles and movement patterns of the face, tongue, head and neck to optimize breathing, postural control, swallowing, chewing and speech.  It is a highly effective method of improving and/or correcting inefficient habits that may have developed because of structure or compensatory habits. Functional issues related to the function of mouth and face are called Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs).

OMDs

Signs of OMD include low resting tongue posture, mouth breathing, snoring, sleep disordered breathing/OSA, tongue thrust, bruxism/jaw clenching, TMJD (jaw pain, clicking, popping), headaches, neck pain, retracted chin/lower jaw, open bites, speech impediments, failed orthodontic treatments, digestive issues, to name a few.

Treatment

The purpose of Myofunctional Therapy is to restore balance in the orofacial system by use of client education and simple training activities.  
Primary Goals of the therapy are:
  1.  Consistent Nasal Breathing,
  2. Lifted Tongue Posture
  3. Lip Sealed Posture
  4. Eliminate noxious habits that have been used for compensation.
Treatment duration may vary depending on the reason for your referral.  Your provider will be able to discuss this with you after your evaluation.

Benefits

After a comprehensive evaluation and consistent practice of prescribed activities clients may experience the following benefits:
  • Improved posture & balance
  • Better breathing
  • Excellent response to tongue and lip tie release procedures
  • reduction of snoring and improved sleep,
  • Reduction of headaches and facial pain
  • Increased tone and mobility of facial structure
  • Improved facial symmetry
  • More balanced mood and energy
  • Proper use of oral structure




Myofunctional therapy is an integrative approach that involves multiple health care professionals.  To provide the most holistic treatment for each individual, care teams may include dentists, orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, physical therapists, osteopaths, ENTs, nutritionists, craniosacral therapists, allergists.  

At Balance + Flow Physio, because we are licensed physical therapists with extended education in myofunctional therapy and treatment of TMJD, treatments will include assessment and treatment interventions to the whole body if appropriate.

Contact us to learn how we can help.