What is Myofunctional Therapy and How Can it Help?
Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based therapy. Think of it like physical therapy, only for the muscles of the mouth, tongue and face. The exercises are designed specifically to train proper breathing, speaking, chewing and swallowing. Believe it or not, improper patterns can lead to a host of health problems and conditions including:
- Sleep Apnea
- Snoring
- Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
- Orthodontic relapse
- TMJ pain
- Headaches, neck pain and other facial pains
- Systemic conditions including heart problems, high blood pressure, foggy brain, memory problems, aches and pains, and more.
- Habit elimination (thumb/digit sucking or nail biting)
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue thrust
- Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
- Poor oral motor patterning
- Poor posture
Kristie Barry, RDH, Myofunctional Therapist
Kristie earned her Dental Hygiene Degree at Weber State University. She practiced as a dental hygienist for 10 years before continuing her education to become a Myofunctional Therapist in 2020. She loves helping improve patients function and quality of life. She is passionate about the benefits Myofunctional therapy can provide and strives to give the best possible patient care.
Benefits of Therapy
Myofunctional therapist work with your current doctors to help provide you with the best cohesive treatment. Myofunctional therapy helps strengthen the oral and facial muscles allowing them to work with any current treatment you may be in. Therapy can help with Orthodontic Care, TMD, Sleep Apnea, Athletic Training, Speach Therapy and much more. We can also provide you with additional referrals when needed.
Telehealth
Keeping Your Health in Mind
Worried about fitting appointments into your busy schedule? All of our myofunctional therapy appointments can be done through telehealth, you don't even need to leave home. Appointments can be made to fit into you work schedule, so you never have to ask for time off.