What is Myofunctional therapy?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
ORO = MOUTH + FACIAL = FACE + MYO = MUSCLE + FUNCTION = OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is an exercise based program that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, tongue, and airway. Think of it like physical therapy, but for the muscles that control your
breathing, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and even your posture.
Through a customized series of exercises, this therapy addresses dysfunction and weakness in the orofacial muscles, helping restore proper function and balance in the body.
If you or your child are struggling with sleep, breathing, pain, posture, or oral dysfunction,
let’s uncover the root cause together.
✨ Book your in person or virtual consult with Lauren Ellis, OMT, and take your first step toward real, lasting healing.
Because you deserve to breathe better, sleep deeper, and feel fully alive.
The Four Core Goals of Myofunctional Therapy:
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✅ Nasal breathing
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✅ Proper lip seal
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✅ Correct tongue posture
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✅ Functional swallowing pattern
Why It Matters
Most people don’t realize how closely the tongue, jaw, and airway are connected to overall health. Myofunctional disorders can lead to or contribute to issues like:
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Mouth breathing
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Snoring & sleep apnea
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Tongue ties
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TMJ pain & clenching
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Chronic headaches & migraines
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Neck, shoulder, and back pain
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Poor posture
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GERD or acid reflux
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Orofacial pain
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Speech issues
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Orthodontic relapse
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Abnormal facial development in children
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and affordable alternative to more aggressive interventions like CPAP or surgery. It’s also highly effective as part of pre- and post-care for tongue tie releases (frenectomies).
Who It's For
This therapy is effective for both children and adults, and success doesn’t depend on age, it’s never too late to start. Myofunctional disorders often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed, but they can stem from or contribute to:
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Mouth breathing
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Sleep-disordered breathing (UARS, OSA)
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Thumb-sucking, nail biting, or clenching
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Tongue thrusting
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Improper jaw growth or alignment
Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s mouth breathing or facial development or an adult exhausted by snoring, jaw tension, or sleep issues, myofunctional therapy can help.
The Tongue, Fascia & Whole-Body Connection
The tongue is deeply connected to the body through the fascial system, a connective tissue network that runs from head to toe. When the tongue is restricted, weak, or not functioning properly, it can create compensation patterns throughout the entire body, especially along the midline.
Because the jaw, tongue, and airway influence posture, balance, and nervous system function, dysfunction in the mouth can contribute to neck and shoulder tension, pelvic floor dysfunction, hip and spinal misalignment, gait issues, arch collapse, knocked knees,
digestive dysfunction, and chronic pain patterns.
The body is constantly adapting and compensating for how we breathe, swallow, and stabilize. When proper oral function is restored, the entire body often begins to function more
efficiently and with less compensation.
Myofunctional Therapy & Orthodontic Support
Myofunctional therapy helps support orthodontic treatment by addressing the underlying muscle function and oral habits that can impact long-term results. Tongue posture, breathing patterns, swallowing function, and oral muscle balance all play a major role in jaw development, facial growth, and tooth alignment.
By improving oral function and breathing patterns, myofunctional therapy can help support more stable orthodontic outcomes, encourage proper jaw and facial development, and reduce dysfunctional habits that
may contribute to relapse.