Myofunctional therapy is a specialized program that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to function properly. These muscles play a significant role in breathing, speaking, and swallowing. A lot of people are unaware that these muscles groups also have a profound impact on your overall health as a whole. Poor habits like mouth breathing, improper tongue posture, or incorrect swallowing, can lead to a variety of issues such as snoring, sleep problems, fatigue, anxiety/stress, dental concerns, and inadequate facial development. Through guided exercises and personalized treatment, myofunctional therapy helps restore healthy muscle patterns, supporting better breathing, sleep, and overall wellness.
Because orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) can encompass a wide variety of symptoms, people of all ages can benefit. Early intervention with kids can positively impact their craniofacial growth and development while reducing risks of other health issues into adulthood. Myofunctional therapy focuses on the root cause. Correcting the dysfunction of the orofacial muscles can have life changing results in both children and adults.
Nasal breathing has tremendous health benefits. Your nose is a natural filter to the outside world. Breathing through the nose not only filters out allergens and pathogens but it also acts as a humidifier, warming and moisturizing the air we inhale. Warm, moist air is easier for the lungs to utilize. The biggest benefit of nasal breathing is the increased production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide production acts as a vasodilator for your blood vessels. Vasodilators widen the blood vessels allowing more oxygen to be transported throughout the body. Did you know nasal breathing can increase your oxygenation by almost 20 percent? Nasal breathing is also imperative for better quality sleep. Training the tongue to rest properly in the roof of the mouth creates a seal, encouraging dominant nasal breathing.
Mouth breathing bypasses the body’s natural filtration system, allowing allergens, dust, and pathogens to enter the lungs directly. This can contribute to increased allergies, asthma symptoms, and a weakened immune system. It also dries out the mouth, raising the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Beyond oral and respiratory health, mouth breathing disrupts the body’s natural sleep physiology. It affects oxygen levels, airway stability, and nervous system balance; key elements needed for deep, restorative sleep.
A good night’s rest is essential for overall health. Quality sleep enhances memory, focus, and emotional well-being, while also reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s. If you’re mouth breathing at night, chances are you’re not reaching the deep, healing sleep your body truly needs.
Tongue rest posture means keeping your whole tongue gently resting against the roof of your mouth when you’re not eating or speaking. This position is complimented with lips closed in order to ensure nasal breathing. Although, it sounds easy enough, many people have weak or low muscle tone and struggle to maintain this position all day and night.
Correct tongue posture is vital for healthy breathing, facial development, and proper oral function. When the tongue rests gently on the roof of the mouth, it helps keep the airway open, drives nasal breathing, and reduces the risk of snoring, sleep apnea, and disrupted sleep. It also supports jaw alignment, proper facial growth, dental health, and more. Improving tongue strength and posture can lead to better breathing, deeper sleep, and the overall well being for both children and adults.
A tongue tie means oral tissues are tethering the tongue down towards the floor of the mouth, restricting full function and range of motion. Tethered oral tissues can contribute to muscle compensation, tension, and mouth breathing. If tongue ties are too restrictive, a tongue tie release may be necessary. This involves a referral to a release provider that can release the tongue tie with a specialized laser.
Myofunctional therapy plays a vital role in achieving a successful tongue tie release. Therapy before and after a release helps to prepare the tongue and surrounding muscles for improved function. While releasing a tongue tie frees up movement, without proper guidance the tongue may revert to old habits or risk reattachment during healing. Myofunctional therapy builds strength and flexibility ahead of time, supports recovery with targeted exercises to keep the tissue mobile, and retrains the tongue for proper function during rest and swallowing. Combining therapy with the release provides the best foundation for lasting results and optimal health.
Myofunctional therapy is often a collaborative effort. This may include referrals to an ENT, dentist, orthodontist, primary care physician, sleep medicine provider, lactation consultant, speech therapist, allergist, bodyworker (massage therapist, cranial sacral therapist, chiropractor), etc. when indicated. While seeking treatment from referrals is not required for myofunctional therapy, it does result in a more successful outcome.
Myofunctional therapy is not one size fits all. You will be provided with an individualized care plan based on the severity of your OMD. Therapy can range on average from 6 to 12 months. Your dedication to your myofunctional therapy program is essential for success. Effective behavior modification requires time, consistent practice, and commitment.
Myofunctional therapy takes a holistic approach to restoring healthy orofacial muscle function. Currently, there are no standardized medical billing codes specifically designated for myofunctional therapy. As a result, we do not bill insurance or accept insurance plans at this time.
Absolutely! HSA and FSA plans are accepted.
Phoenix Myo is excited to offer flexible financing options to make myofunctional therapy more accessible for you. Take advantage of 0% interest financing for up to 6 months, helping you get started without upfront financial stress. We also provide extended financing plans up to 36 months, allowing you to choose a payment schedule that fits your budget comfortably. Our goal is to support your journey to better health with convenient and affordable options.
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