Myofunctional Therapy is a program designed to correct the improper function of the tongue and facial muscles used for chewing, swallowing and at rest.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy eliminates improper tongue rest position and the causes of many swallowing abnormalities. Habits are hard to break - certainly an unconscious function such as swallowing repeated 500 - 1000 times daily for several years is no exception. However, many children, teenagers and adults have retrained and corrected poor tongue rest and swallowing habits with orofacial myofunctional therapy.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is painless and the exercises are relatively simple. When certain muscles are activated and functioning properly, other muscles will follow suit until proper coordination of the tongue and facial muscles is gained. For success in this therapy, consistent exercise every day is necessary until the patient has subconsciously corrected their improper muscle patterns.
There are five parts to the treatment:
1.Habit elimination therapy done with rewards and behavior modification
2.A series of therapy exercises which improve nasal breathing and oral facial functions
3.Promoting proper chewing and swallowing
4.Re-patterning head and neck posture problems
5.Generalization and habituation of the new muscle pattern
My program entails 8-10 visits once a week and then every 2-3 weeks thereafter for the duration of a year. Treatment is customized to each patient and their unique needs. Appointments can be in person or via Skype.
Jenae Ciuffreda BS, RDH, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist 760-580-5769
