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

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a gentle, evidence‑based approach that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, tongue, and airway. These muscles play a critical role in breathing, sleep quality, speech, chewing, swallowing, posture, and overall nervous system regulation.

OMT is not forceful or invasive. Instead, it uses targeted exercises, education, and habit retraining to restore proper muscle function and balance.

Just like every other muscle in our body, the face, lips, and tongue need correct exercise. When muscles do not function properly, the rest of the body works hard to compensate for those weaknesses and imbalances, which eventually fail us.  The results are symptoms such as poor sleep, high blood pressure, ADHD, anxiety, headaches, and the list goes on. In short, compensations have consequences.

While children are still growing, we have a unique opportunity to come alongside parents and kids to teach them correct nasal breathing habits to prevent health issues.  When the tongue and facial muscles are not working properly the growth of the face is hindered or misquided.  

Insufficient facial growth compromises the airway, affecting breathing and sleep quality. Our body reacts to improper breathing (mouth breathing and overbreathing) by turning on the “fight or flight” mode, which in turn leads to additional symptoms. 

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, gentle, 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 habits

lapses with orthodontics

tongue-tie, cheek or lip tie

crowded teeth

weak (recessed) lower jaw

For an optimal outcome, we often need to recruit other providers, such as craniosacral therapists, airway-centric dentists, and ENT specialists. 

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. If you are local to the Rockingham County, VA area, we are willing to travel to your home for sessions (for a small added travel fee).

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

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

Yes. 

Your nose is the body’s natural breathing system. When we breathe through it, several important things happen automatically.

1. The Air Is Filtered and Protected

The nose filters dust, allergens, and pathogens before they reach the lungs. Mouth breathing skips this protection.

2. The Air Is Warmed and Humidified

The nose warms and moistens the air, which protects lung tissue and improves oxygen exchange.

3. Oxygen Is Used More Efficiently

Nasal breathing helps the body release oxygen into tissues more effectively. This supports:

• Energy

• Brain function

• Muscle performance

• Recovery

4. The Airway Stays More Stable

When the tongue rests properly in the roof of the mouth and breathing happens through the nose:

• The jaw develops more naturally in children

• The airway is more supported during sleep

• Snoring and mouth dryness may be reduced

• Posture is stabilized

5. The Nervous System Stays Calmer

Slow nasal breathing stimulates the parasympathetic (calming) nervous system.
This supports:

• Better sleep

• Focus

• Emotional regulation

• Reduced stress response

How Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) Impacts Adult Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is not caused by just one thing—it’s a condition with multiple layers. For many adults, it involves a combination of:

• Airway anatomy (narrow palate, recessed jaw, enlarged tissues)
• Nasal breathing ability (chronic congestion, mouth breathing habits)
• Muscle function (weak or poorly coordinated tongue and throat muscles)
• Habitual patterns (open-mouth posture, low tongue resting position)

Because of this, treatment often requires more than one approach.

Where OMT Fits In

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, and airway to function optimally—especially during rest and sleep.

Think of it this way:
Your airway is not just a static tube—it’s a dynamic, muscle-supported space. If those muscles aren’t doing their job, the airway is more likely to collapse during sleep.

1. Nasal Breathing: The Foundation

One of the most important goals of OMT is restoring nasal breathing.

Why this matters:

• The nose filters, warms, and humidifies air
• Nasal breathing promotes nitric oxide production, which supports oxygen delivery
• Mouth breathing increases airway collapse risk during sleep

When someone learns to comfortably breathe through their nose—day and night—it can:

• Reduce airway resistance
• Improve oxygenation
• Decrease the severity of apnea events over time

2. Tongue Posture: The Hidden Key

The tongue should rest gently suctioned to the roof of the mouth, not low in the airway.

Low tongue posture can:

• Narrow the airway space
• Increase obstruction risk during sleep

OMT trains the tongue to:

• Rest in the proper position
• Move efficiently during swallowing
• Stay engaged enough to help support the airway

Over time, this can help keep the airway more open—especially during sleep when muscles naturally relax.

3. Strengthening and Coordination of Airway Muscles

OMT includes specific exercises that:

• Strengthen the tongue and soft palate
• Improve muscle tone in the throat
• Enhance coordination of breathing and swallowing

This is important because sleep apnea often involves airway collapse due to low muscle tone. Better muscle function = more airway stability.

4. Habit Repatterning

Many adults with sleep apnea have lifelong patterns of:

• Mouth breathing
• Open-mouth resting posture
• Improper swallowing patterns

OMT helps retrain these into:

• Lips closed at rest
• Nasal breathing as the default
• Proper tongue-to-palate posture

These small, consistent changes create 24/7 support for the airway, not just during therapy sessions.

5. OMT Is Part of a Bigger Picture

OMT is not a “standalone cure” for everyone—but it’s a powerful adjunct therapy.

It works best alongside:

• CPAP or oral appliance therapy
• Treatment of nasal obstruction (if present)
• Addressing anatomical limitations when needed
• Palatal expansion

What OMT does is address the functional side of sleep apnea, which is often overlooked.