What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

You may have heard the term myofunctional therapy and thought... “What exactly is that?” The name might sound technical, but the idea behind it is simple and practical.

Myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. It helps improve how we breathe, chew, swallow, and speak by retraining the way these muscles work together (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).

Why does that matter?

Many people, including both kids and adults, develop habits that get in the way of healthy function. These habits may seem small at first, but they can affect breathing, sleep, posture, and even facial development.

Mouth breathing, low tongue posture, or resting with the mouth open are all common patterns that can lead to snoring, jaw tension, orthodontic relapse, or speech concerns (ASHA).

In kids, this might look like restless sleep, difficulty focusing, or changes in facial growth. In adults, it often shows up as fatigue, headaches, or jaw and neck discomfort. In fact, one clinical review found that myofunctional therapy can reduce symptoms of sleep apnea by up to 62% in children and 50% in adults (Camacho et al., 2015).

How does therapy work?

It begins with a personalized plan created after an evaluation of your or your child’s oral habits and muscle function. Therapy includes gentle exercises that support:

• Nasal breathing

• Proper tongue posture

• Lip seal at rest

• A healthy, efficient swallow

These exercises are simple and can be done at home. Most take just a few minutes a day. With consistency, they help restore balance and coordination to the muscles used for breathing, chewing, and more.

For children, therapy can support proper growth and prevent future issues. For adults, it can ease tension, improve sleep, and increase daily energy.

Is it just for kids?

No. While early intervention is helpful, adults benefit just as much. Many people do not realize how long-standing oral habits may be affecting their sleep, posture, or comfort. With practice and guidance, therapy helps restore function at any age.

A foundation for long-term health

Myofunctional therapy focuses on the root causes of issues like mouth breathing, low tongue posture, and snoring. Rather than masking symptoms, it helps your body return to the way it was designed to function.

If you think this kind of therapy might help you or your child, it starts with a conversation and an evaluation. You do not have to figure it all out on your own. We are here to help.

Small changes in function often lead to big improvements in daily life.

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