Myofunctional Therapy
If you have an orofacial myofunctional disorder that affects your quality of life, you probably want some relief. That’s where myofunctional therapy might help. Your sleep doctor in Murray, UT, can help.
What Is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder?
Orofacial myofunctional disorders are those that affect the functions and muscles of the mouth and face.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy and What Does It Do?
Myofunctional therapy is a physical therapy program. It’s the process that uses a series of re-education exercises that train the brain how to perform normal muscle movements around the mouth, face, and tongue.
This therapy is designed to help improve speech, breathing, talking, tongue position, nasal breathing, eating, and lip seal. Myofunctional therapy can sometimes also help with breathing disorders, including sleep-disordered breathing issues, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Problems Related to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
An orofacial myofunctional disorder can affect facial skeletal development and growth, swallowing, breastfeeding, chewing, speech, TMJ, oral hygiene, facial appearance, and more.
How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?
When a patient goes to therapy and uses the prescribed exercises for their myofunctional disorders, it will help eliminate the abnormal movements caused by their disorder.
Examples of Myofunctional Therapy Exercises
- Tongue presses
- Teeth touches
- Tongue touches
- Uvula raises
- Yogurt suction
- Balloon inflation
- Party horn
The therapist will teach you how to do the necessary exercises to help your specific myofunctional disorder.
Do Myofunctional Therapy Exercises Work?
A 2021 review of studies by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) has found convincing evidence that this therapy and these exercises have a positive effect on reducing sleep apnea. There is also evidence that myofunctional therapy in Murray, UT, will help improve snoring and other sleep-disordered breathing.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Myofunctional Therapy?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you are a good candidate for myofunctional therapy.
- Muscle imbalances
- Trouble breathing through your nose
- Whistling
- Habitual mouth breathing
- Trouble articulating your words
- Trouble swallowing
- Symptoms of tongue tie
- Tongue thrusting
- Overactive lips or cheeks
- If you have lousy muscle tone that affects your cheeks, lips, and tongue
Is Myofunctional Therapy Right for You?
If you suspect you might have some myofunctional disorders affecting your quality of life, you should contact a sleep doctor right away for a consultation. Don’t wait to get the help you need to regain control of your facial muscles.
Looking for a Sleep Clinic in Murray, UT?
Are you ready for some relief? Please Contact Dr. Jeff Buxton today. We offer myofunctional therapy treatments that will help you get your life back to normal. And we look forward to helping you do just that!
