Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy Essentials

Dysfunction and imbalance of the orofacial muscles (tongue, lips, cheeks, soft palate) can negatively impact oral hygiene, facial growth, stability of orthodontics, temporomandibular joint movement, posture, digestion, sleep and more

Signs of Myofunctional Disorders

The symptoms of myodysfunction are many and varied. They can include any of the following:

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• Chronic day time fatigue

• Anxiety/Depression

• Inability to regulate mood

• Forgetfulness/difficulty concentrating

• Bed wetting or needing to use bathroom at night

• Dry mouth, sore throat or stuffy nose

• Choking, gasping, long pauses without breathing during sleep

• Snoring

• Hyperactivity

• Teeth grinding or clenching

• Lips apart at rest

• Crowded or crooked teeth

• Lisp

• Speech errors

• Tongue thrust

• Mouth breathing

• Snoring

• Poor sleep

• TMJ/jaw pain

• Headaches

• Referred tooth pain

Goals of Therapy

• Restore nasal breathing

• Facilitate complete lip seal

• Establish proper tongue resting position

• Optimize healthy chewing and swallowing pattern

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When these four goals are achieved, many of the above symptoms often resolve on their own, even though they are not directly addressed through therapy

Whole Body Approach

       We strive discover any underlying issues that may effect the success of therapy. This includes assessing for Retained Primary Reflexes, Cranial Nerve imbalances, Vagal Nerve dysregulation and structural deficiencies that may effect the nasal cavity. Sessions may not only include myofunctional exercises, but also exercises to integrate primitive reflexes, rhythmic movement to enhance perception and the body-brain connection, cranial nerve stimulation for enhanced sensory and motor connection, breath work, posture exercises and lymphatic drainage. 

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