What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is specific exercise-based therapy aimed to improve patterns, strength & coordination of the face and mouth muscles to support their prime functions of breathing, speaking, chewing and swallowing.
These muscles include those of the tongue, lips, jaw, throat, face and neck & diaphragm!
Who may require Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
People who may have ‘habits’ or altered patterns of muscle use in their jaw/face/mouth/neck.
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Some people seek help for pain or tension; for others, it might be a function such as poor saliva control, mouth-breathing or trouble swallowing tablets.
Others might require Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for tongue tie rehabilitation, alongside orthodontic treatment or speech therapy; or after ENT surgery.
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Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy requires active participation in exercises and is designed for patients aged 5yrs – Adults.
Exercises must be performed 2-3 times daily over several weeks. Your Therapy plan is tailored specifically to YOUR needs!
Younger child? Read more below!
If you have a history of these common factors then an Orofacial Myology approach may be a good fit!
Educating YOU as caregivers is the key to successful Oral-Motor Therapy for infants and young children.
Let’s work together to help your child thrive!
We provide you with a plan and regular, simple and fun-filled strategies for you to help your child.
Our play-based approach can be tailored for infants, toddlers, pre-school children and special-needs patients of all ages. READ ON!
What is Play-Based Oral Motor Therapy?
Play-based Oral Motor Therapy is exercise-based therapy aimed to improve patterns, strength & coordination of the face and mouth muscles to support their prime functions of breathing, speaking, chewing and swallowing.
These muscles include those of the tongue, lips, jaw, throat, face and neck & diaphragm!
How it works
We provide you with simple & fun play-based activities to implement regularly at home.
Through play, children learn rapidly and are much more likely to stay engaged in an activity – which is important because muscle-building and takes time and repetition!
We review their progress at intervals and refine their prescribed activities as your child improves muscle activation and control.
We complement the therapy your child might be receiving from their speech pathologist, OT or physio. Incorporating our Osteopathic approach alongside Orofacial Myology means we can address any musculoskeletal tension patterns with hands-on treatment whilst also providing a whole-body approach to play-based movement therapy.
If your child has a history of these common factors then Play-Based Oral Motor Therapy may be a good fit!
Oral-Motor Concerns in young children are often missed or excused as a common ‘typical’ presentation when in fact the patterns being established are not optimal for craniofacial growth and function.
Underpinning the Orofacial Myology Philosophy are the key principles of the Optimal Oral-Resting Posture which includes all of:
The functional components of speaking, chewing and swallowing require the following of the muscles of the oro-facial complex and the associated TMJ:
We offer individualised assessments, treatment plans and holistic support strategies for patients of all ages.
