Breathe Better, Be Better
Myo 101
Orofacial myology, also known as orofacial myofunctional therapy, is the voluntary art of neuromuscular modification and reeducation to enable proper oral resting posture. The attainment of which allows for proper body oxygenation, chewing and swallowing. This process involves engaging in various exercises and activities to establish new muscular patterning. Whereas, we act as the conductor in the orchestra of muscle coordination involved in breathing, chewing and swallowing. The Myo Spot, uniquely, incorporates exercises from Lois Laynee's Restorative Breathing Method, Angela Caine's VoiceGym, Stanley Rosenberg Clinic, Reiki and Breathwork. These methods allow for pelvic floor stability, diaphragm engagement and cranial nerve integration which assist in establishing proper oral resting posture and nasal breathing.
Do I Need Myofunctional Therapy?
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FAQs
What are the benefits?
You may benefit from establishing proper oral resting posture if you or your loved one has experienced or currently experiences*:
Mouth-breathing
Sleep Apnea
Snoring, Clenching or Grinding
Orthodontics (Braces and/or Expanders)
ADHD
Jaw Pain (TMJ Disorder/ TMD)
Thumb, Pacifier, Tongue or Object Sucking
Nail Biting
Tongue Tie
Tongue Thrust
Frequent or Chronic Congestion
Asthma
Anxiety
*Please note that orofacial myology (myofunctional therapy) is not indicated as a treatment or cure for any of the aforementioned. It is only indicated as a treatment for improper oral resting posture which is in most instances a causative factor for most of the above.
What is an OMD?
An orofacial myofunctional disorder is an inability to utilize proper oral or facial muscle function. Characterized by over or under utilization of muscles when breathing, masticating (chewing) and/or swallowing. This may manifest as a form of orofacial dysfunction such as tongue thrust, messy or loud chewing and/or audible mouth breathing.
What causes OMDs?
While there is no one direct cause that always contributes to an orofacial myofunctional disorder, it can be prefaced by several related factors. Such as ankyloglossia (tongue tie), other tethered oral tissue (lip, buccal and mandibular tie), lack of breastfeeding, prolonged pacifier use, oral sucking habits (tongue, thumb, fingers, or objects) and familial history of sleep apnea and/or OMD.
Here at The Myo Spot we like to focus on attaining the solution and while we don't want you to disregard the past and what may have led you to your discovery of an OMD, we do want you to let go of any blame you hold for things you did not know.
"Let go of what was and grab hold of what will be." -Unknown
Who treats OMDs?
Treatment of an orofacial myofunctional disorder involves an interdisciplinary team approach. While it is essential to see an orofacial myologist to attain proper muscle function, it may also be necessary to see other specialists to remove 'roadblocks' or assist in rehabilitation. Such as an ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor), Oral Surgeon, Orthodontist, Pediatric or General Dentist, Primary Care Physician, Speech Language Pathologist and/or Lactation Consultant.