Posted by Megan Van Noy on Nov 7 2023, 05:28 AM
Myofunctional therapy, or orofacial myofunctional therapy, is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on the muscles and functions of the face, tongue, and mouth. It involves exercises and techniques designed to correct improper muscle functions related to breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speech. By targeting these oral muscle dysfunctions, myofunctional therapy aims to improve oral health, treat issues such as mouth breathing and improper swallowing patterns, and enhance facial aesthetics. This therapy is often used in collaboration with orthodontic and dental treatments, as well as to address issues like sleep apnea and speech disorders, promoting optimal orofacial function and overall well-being.
Myofunctional therapy is often recommended for children with improper tongue posture, tongue thrusting, or other orofacial muscle dysfunctions that affect speech development, swallowing, and dental health.
Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment may benefit from myofunctional therapy to support the stability of orthodontic corrections, especially if they have issues like tongue-tie or tongue thrust.
People experiencing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, or other breathing-related problems can benefit from myofunctional therapy to transition from mouth breathing to nasal breathing.
Individuals with speech and language disorders, articulation difficulties, or delayed speech development may find myofunctional therapy helpful in improving their speech and communication skills.
Those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, characterized by jaw pain and discomfort, can benefit from myofunctional therapy to alleviate TMJ symptoms associated with muscle dysfunction.
Myofunctional therapy can be part of a comprehensive approach to managing sleep apnea by addressing muscle issues contributing to airway obstruction during sleep.
Myofunctional therapy is tailored to each individual's unique needs, ensuring that exercises and techniques are specific to their concerns and goals. To learn more, please get in touch with us at (503) 367-9440, book an appointment online, or email us at megan@nwmyofunctionaltherapy.com to schedule a consultation with our team.
MON - FRI By appointments only.
SAT - SUN Closed