Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based treatment focusing on mouth, tongue, and face muscles. It is similar to physical therapy but explicitly targets these muscles to address various health problems and conditions.

The exercises used in myofunctional therapy are designed to improve tongue placement, breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing. This therapy can help with various health issues, such as tongue tie, TMJ pain, and headaches. It can also address concerns related to orthodontic and surgical relapse concerns, craniofacial growth and appearance, postural issues, facial and neck pain, and tension.

While it would take a while to list all the conditions and symptoms that myofunctional therapy can help with, the therapist usually focuses on particular, primary goals. By mastering these goals, patients can achieve the desired results. These same goals are the basis for myofunctional therapy mentoring and training programs.

A myofunctional therapist is a healthcare professional who assesses and treats muscle function within the oral and facial regions. The therapy offered by these specialists is considered advanced due to its focus on the interrelationship between the mouth, airways, and overall well-being.

The importance of myofunctional therapy is becoming increasingly recognized, as research continues to unveil the essential role that proper breathing and swallowing habits play in overall health.

Myofunctional therapists work with patients to identify any abnormalities or dysfunctions within the muscles of the mouth, face, and neck that can lead to issues such as sleep apnea, speech disorders, and improper chewing or swallowing.

The demand for myofunctional therapist training is expected to increase in the coming years, as more people become aware of the significant impact that oral muscle function has on overall health.

These specialists have a unique skill set not found in other healthcare professions, and their expertise is essential for preventing and treating many health conditions. As such, it is poised to become an integral part of healthcare, with the potential to improve the lives of many individuals.

The four goals of myofunctional therapy training are:

• Nasal breathing

• Lip seal

• Proper tongue posture

• Correct swallowing pattern

When the goals of breathing through the nose, keeping the mouth closed, placing the tongue in the correct position, and swallowing properly are mentioned to patients or students by the practitioner, they often laugh, perceiving them as relatively simple goals to achieve. However, as the practitioner notes, it is not as easy as it sounds.

Many patients struggle with these tasks and require assistance from health professionals, such as myofunctional therapists. The high demand for myofunctional therapy services suggests that these tasks are more challenging than they appear. The need for these specialized services is only expected to grow in the future.

Myofunctional therapy has become an increasingly popular technique for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) seeking to enhance their clinical practice. While traditionally associated with registered dental professionals, such as dentists, hygienists, and orthodontists, the MyoMentor 12 Week Course has seen many SLPs enroll in recent years.

Overall, myofunctional therapy can be a piece of the plan to address speech disorders related to oral myofunctional therapy training, such as lisps or stuttering. In addition, myofunctional therapy can help treat issues related to feeding and swallowing, sleep apnea, and snoring.

At the MyoMentor 12-Week Course, SLPs learn the principles and techniques of myofunctional therapy and gain experience working with patients with a range of oral muscle dysfunction issues. Graduates of the program report positive outcomes, including improved patient outcomes and increased referrals from satisfied clients.

Myofunctional therapy is a promising field at the forefront of airway health, with mounting evidence demonstrating its vast potential. This therapy holds great potential for aiding orthodontics, treating tongue ties, alleviating TMD symptoms, and contributing to a comprehensive treatment plan for sleep apnea, UARS, and other sleep-disordered breathing conditions.

Becoming a myofunctional therapist presents an affordable path to revitalizing your career. Compared to pursuing a master's degree, attending dental school, or retraining in an entirely new field, the cost is notably low. Plus, practicing myofunctional therapy is possible without investing years in formal education.

Notably, acquiring myofunctional therapy skills doesn't require abandoning your current healthcare profession. The therapy can be incorporated into virtually any healthcare practice, providing an array of new possibilities and options.

To get started with myofunctional therapy, you'll need the desire to learn more about it and a valid healthcare qualification. The good news is that you don't need a highly-specialized degree - the field is open to a wide range of healthcare professionals. However, to dive deeper, you should consider taking an introductory course in myofunctional therapy and be ready to work to establish your practice and build a team.

Professionals in various fields, such as airway-focused dentists, dental and orthopedic appliance providers, orthodontists, frenectomy providers, and sleep specialists, are always looking for knowledgeable myofunctional therapists to add to their referral networks. In some cases, they may even want you to work within their office to make it more convenient for their patients.

Absolutely!

In fact, dental hygienists make up most of our students. Myofunctional therapy is a perfect match for anyone with a dental hygiene background because it's within the scope of practice for hygienists.

One of the nicest things about myofunctional therapy for hygienists is that it’s so flexible. It can be done in a dental office or in a private myo practice as well - or both. And it can be done both in-person or virtually through telehealth.