What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized form of therapy that addresses myofunctional disorders. These occur when the muscles involved in oral functions, such as tongue posture, lip closure, or swallowing patterns, do not work properly. Myofunctional disorders can affect oral health and speech, leading to a variety of problems such as:
Speech difficulties: lisps or articulation problems.
Swallowing difficulties: choking or difficulty swallowing certain foods or liquids.
Dental issues: Misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, or jaw pain.
Facial asymmetry: Uneven facial features or a lopsided smile.
Myofunctional therapy is typically recommended for individuals of all ages, including:
Children to address speech and feeding difficulties, as well as prevent future dental problems.
Adults to improve speech clarity, alleviate jaw pain, or correct facial asymmetry.
Individuals with special needs to address oral motor challenges associated with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy.
Myofunctional therapy is typically provided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). In some cases, a team of professionals, including a dentist, orthodontist, ENT, allergist, chiropractor or physical therapist, may work together to address the underlying causes of myofunctional disorders. A typical myofunctional therapy treatment plan may include:
Oral motor exercises: specific exercises to strengthen and improve the muscles involved in oral functions.
Posture training: techniques to improve head and neck posture, which can impact oral function.
Sensory stimulation: using sensory input, such as touch or vibration, to improve oral awareness and coordination.
Addressing habits and behaviors: working on mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or nail biting.
Feeding therapy: strategies to improve swallowing and feeding skills.
The duration of myofunctional therapy varies depending on the individual's needs and the severity of the disorder. Regular follow-up sessions are typically recommended to monitor progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
The KLC team specializes in helping myofunctional patients of all ages - and we’d love to help you or your child! Contact us online or give us a call!
Written by Ashlie Thomas, Contributing Writer