PEDIATRIC
MYOFUCTIONAL THERAPY
Speech-sounding errors and eating concerns may relate to underlying structural deficits. Myofunctional Therapy is an exercise-based therapy for the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face. Weaknesses, restrictions, or deviations in these structures can affect breathing, eating, swallowing, and/or speech. The exercises are designed to address specific deficits in these functional areas, individual to each client. Our team often collaborates with outside providers such as dentists and ENTs, depending on the structural concerns and affected areas of function.
Myofuctional Therapy is for:
​Concern with Lips
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Lips often always open
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Lips often pursed tight
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Lip tie
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‘Pout’ lip
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No lip showing
Concerns with Sleeping
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Snoring/noisy breathing
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Restless sleeper
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Bedwetting
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Open mouth breathing
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Drooling at night
Concerns with Tongue
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Tongue tie
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Tongue thrust
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Minimal tongue movement during speech or eating
Concerns with Teeth
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Crowding/turning of teeth
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Overjet
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Underbite or overbite
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Excessive cavities
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Teeth grinding
Other Areas of Concern
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Dark circles under the eyes
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Oral habits like sucking or biting objects.
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Frequently sick
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Persistent speech errors
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Picky rating
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Facial asymmetry
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History of feeding problems
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Open mouth breathing and chewing
How we help:
We utilize a wide range of play-based and structured approaches when implementing this type of therapy, depending on the age, skill, and needs of the child. Exercises are always paired with functional tasks (speech, eating, swallowing, or breathing). As a result, the child practices movement/strengthening of the target oral structures later to apply to functional tasks. We provide consistent caregiver support and training for home carryover and utilize a variety of techniques specifically for each client and their individual needs.