OROFACIAL MYOFUCTIONAL THERAPY (OMT) CAN BE USED TO TREAT THE FOLLOWING:
- Tongue or Lip Ties
- Sleep apnea, snoring, fatigue, or poor sleep.
- Irregular breathing such as mouth breathing
- Unclear speech
- Over/ underbite
- Facial posture irregularities
- Tongue resting on the roof of your mouth
- Digestion challenges or food sensitivities
- Chronic pain (e.g., neck pain)
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) challenges
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy assists in breaking patterns of problematic oral behaviors that interrupt the above areas. The primary purpose of OMT is to combine physical therapy type exercises with existing orofacial disorders to produce a productive outcome. The more regularly orofacial muscles are trained to do daily functions such as eating, breathing, speaking, etc. The more the patient can thrive without strenuous attempts to move muscles on their own.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy typically targets the lower face, inside the mouth (e.g., tongue) and neck’s soft tissue that allows standard functions most people never consciously think about. To those who are affected by an oral challenges, myofunctional therapy provides techniques that promote awareness and conscious placement of the mouth. Many speech pathologists encourage exercises that focus intentionally on speaking, swallowing or chewing patterns. Small children cannot convey verbal feedback, so speech therapists are always on high alert for subtle changes and non-verbal cues.
Regarding tongue ties, around 5% of all newborns are diagnosed at birth with a tongue tie that can create speech, eating and physical challenges. This defect is typically influenced by genetic disposition, and is often first shown through baby’s attempt to breastfeed or drink from a bottle. The majority of tongue ties go undiagnosed, therefore the true percentage of the population is unclear. While most doctors recommend procedural intervention to solve the core issue, this doesn’t rid possible challenges such as speech impediments that come along with it. A highly effective way of assisting in treating tongue ties is through Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT).
When looking for effective treatment it is important to find a speech pathologist who has been specifically trained as an orofacial myofunctional therapist which is a separate certification from their master’s degree requirements. With dedication to therapy and willingness to learn, significant improvements can be made. The beauty of today’s world is that OMT and other speech therapies are often able to be done virtually (e.g., Zoom) just as effectively as in-person. Thankfully due to adaptations from the pandemic, care is more accessible than ever. Therapists want to see as many people as possible thriving in their everyday lives.
While some may wonder how this approach is taken, online speech therapy treatment sessions teach clients how to utilize their oral muscles to their advantage. It’s important to emphasize that each person’s journey through speech therapy is uniquely their own. Make sure that you or the person you care about who is getting therapy, feels fully comfortable with how they’re receiving treatment. Each person’s pace will be different, and that’s okay. The goal of speech therapy is to support those struggling with oral motor challenges to live a life at their maximum potential. Speech therapists are honored to contribute their gifts toward giving a person a more prosperous life.
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WRITTEN BY:
-NICOLE BUTLER, M.A., CCC-SLP/L (ASHA Certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Founder and Executive Director of Speech Within Reach.)
SPEECH WITHIN REACH provides in person and virtual telehealth speech therapy for children and adults. We are happy to support your speech therapy needs. Please feel free to reach out to us.