Do you struggle with breathing, swallowing, or speech issues? Then you might want to consider Myofunctional Therapy. It’s a revolutionary treatment designed to correct myofunctional disorders. You may be surprised to learn that these disorders can cause a range of problems, including altered facial structure and poor facial muscle development.
Myofunctional Therapy is a relatively new practice that has been proven to be exceptionally effective. This article will provide an overview of what Myofunctional Therapy is, how it works, and the benefits it can provide.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional Therapy is a specialized type of treatment that addresses disorders of the mouth, throat, face, upper airway, jaw, and neck. It focuses on correcting any improper muscle movements that can be causing difficulties. These disorders are commonly referred to as “myofunctional” disorders.

Myofunctional Therapy can encompass a variety of exercises, stretches, and techniques. It targets the muscles involved in speaking, breathing, chewing, and swallowing. It is often performed by a trained myofunctional therapist who creates a tailored treatment plan and tracks patient’s progress.

How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?

Myofunctional Therapy works by redesigning and reinforcing neuromuscular patterns. It addresses the functional behavior of the muscles of the face, soft palate, tongue, and neck muscles, and it aims to normalize the shape and function of structures that affect breathing, swallowing, speech, and posture.

By retraining the muscles and working to correct oral and facial habits, Myofunctional Therapy can provide long-lasting results. After a period of therapy, clients may notice improvements in muscle tone and strength, breathing, swallowing, and chewing. They may also see changes in the shape of their face, as the muscles develop and reshape.

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy can offer a range of benefits. The therapy may help individuals experiencing chronic nasal congestion or snoring, as it can improve nasal breathing by promoting proper muscle function. It can also improve the vocal quality of an individual who is experiencing voice problems.

For individuals dealing with severe thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use, Myofunctional Therapy can help to correct the shape of the teeth and palate. This can prevent future orthodontic issues and improve the appearance of the face.

Additionally, Myofunctional Therapy can teach individuals to move and use their muscles in a more efficient, effective manner. This can help improve overall energy levels, posture, and even concentration and memory.

Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?

Just about anyone can benefit from Myofunctional Therapy. It is particularly useful for individuals who have a history of thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or sleeping with their mouths open. Adults and children with certain dental or orthodontic issues, like a very high or very low palate, or crowded teeth, may also benefit from this therapy.

Individuals with breathing problems, like acute or chronic nasal congestion, snoring, chronic stuffy nose, or resting open-mouth breathing, can also benefit from Myofunctional Therapy. And, individuals experiencing speech, swallowing, voice, or sleep issues may find relief from engaging in Myofunctional Therapy.

How to Get Started with Myofunctional Therapy

If you are interested in trying Myofunctional Therapy, then the first step is to find a trained practitioner. You can search online for myofunctional therapists in your area, and then schedule an initial consultation. During the initial consultation, the therapist will review your case history and conduct a physical evaluation.

After the evaluation, the therapist will create an individualized treatment plan, including exercises and techniques that will be used to correct the myofunctional disorder. The treatment plan may also include tips for good oral hygiene and diet, as these can affect the outcome of the therapy.