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 Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is an individually formulated progression of exercises to restore proper muscle function and form in the tongue and face. 

Like any muscle in our body, the face and tongue muscles need correct exercise. When those muscles are not functioning properly, the rest of our body works hard to compensate for those weaknesses and imbalances. Those compensations will eventually fail, and this can result in a multitude of symptoms. Compensations have consequences.

In children, especially younger children who are still growing, when the tongue and facial muscles are not working properly the growth of the face is hindered or misquided. This inhibited growth can cause a whole host of symptoms. 

Inhibited facial growth will compromise the airway, which affects breathing and sleep quality. Our body reacts to improper breathing by turning on the “fight or flight” mode, which in turn creates additional symptoms.

Through OMT, I will walk with you and guide you on how to combat these effects.

There are four primary goals that an orofacial myofunctional therapist works with clients to achieve.

1. Nasal breathing  
Our body was designed to function optimally when we breathe through our nose. Our nose provides vital structures to warm, moisturize, and clean the air we breathe by regulating the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide as well as aiding in the production of nitric oxide. A therapist will help you establish nasal breathing day and night so that you can thrive.  

2. Lips sealed
Our goal is to help you keep your lips gently closed with your teeth ever so slightly apart – a “gentle seal” – without strain.

3. Correct tongue posture
The tongue should live in the roof of the mouth, very gently suctioned from tip to tail with the tip of the tongue right behind the top two front teeth and the tail on your soft palate. There are plenty of health benefits for this position, including: vagus nerve stimulation, production of nitric oxide, elimination of mouth breathing, and proper craniofacial growth and development.

4. Correct and normal swallow
The digestive process begins in the oral cavity. An incorrect swallowing pattern can lead to aerophagia (swallowing air), which can lead to digestive issues, burping, acid reflux, gas, and stomach aches. Correcting your swallow can alleviate these issues. An incorrect swallowing pattern can also impact the position of the teeth.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a wonderful option for those who are seeking natural, non-invasive, and cost-effective solutions to their orofacial myofunctional disorders. 

Specifically, OMT works well for those with the following symptoms:

-mouth breathing, sleep apnea, chronic congestion, asthma, frequent nighttime bathroom trips, tooth grinding, reflux, digestion issues, low tongue posture, forward head posture, ADHD, daytime drowsiness, fatigue, audible breathing, headaches, neck tension, jaw pain, toxic oral habit, relapses with orthodontics, and tongue-tie, crowded teeth, weak lower jaw.

For an optimal outcome, there are instances where we will need to enlist the expertise of additional providers.

At Thrive Shenandoah Valley OMT, it’s important that I meet you where you are in your health journey. 

First, we need to start with a free consultation. This will be approximately a 30-minute video call. I’ll need you to fill out some informative/history forms prior to the visit. This helps me know if I have what you need. Based on our conversation and the results of your discovery paperwork, we determine if we would be compatible and if you would benefit from a comprehensive exam and orofacial myofunctional therapy.                                                       

If you choose to move forward, we’ll schedule a comprehensive exam. I’ll ask you for a series of photos to help me understand what your concerns may be and aid me in identifying any additional concerns. The exam itself will take about 60-90 minutes. During this time, I evaluate your function/impairments and create a treatment plan for when you begin therapy. We also identify if there will be any additional providers that we need to recruit onto your health journey team.

Throughout the exam, I will explain to you what I am seeing and looking for while evaluating. I can also answer any additional questions you may have relating to OMT and the impact of OMDs (orofacial myofunctional disorders).

After the exam, if you feel that you could benefit from orofacial myofunctional therapy and want me to be a part of your journey, then we’ll get you started with therapy sessions. Sessions are typically 30-minutes long with frequency and duration varying based on your needs. 

Use the buttons above to learn more about Thrive Shenandoah Valley OMT, check out our resources on orofacial myofunctional therapy, and PLEASE reach out with any questions. 

When you’re ready, use the “Book a Consult” button to schedule your free consultation.