Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
People come to Journeys for myofunctional therapy because they want care that looks beyond symptoms to address the deeper structural and functional patterns affecting breathing, sleep, posture, and oral development. With an AOMT-certified occupational therapist who also provides CranioSacral therapy, Journeys offers a uniquely comprehensive approach, creating a more integrated and effective path to healthier breathing, swallowing, and rest.
What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a mouthful—and that’s exactly what this therapeutic intervention addresses: the mouth, tongue, and facial muscles. Also referred to as myofunctional therapy (MFT), this approach takes a deep dive into how the structures and tissues of the mouth and face work together, and how their coordination impacts a person’s daily functional activities.
These functional activities include chewing, swallowing, and breathing, all of which are assessed and monitored during MFT. The goal of MFT is to promote proper coordination of the tongue and facial muscles to optimize how your body nourishes itself through chewing and swallowing, energizes itself through efficient breathing, and rests fully by achieving restorative sleep.
Who does it benefit?
MFT benefits both children and adults. Here are just a few signs that this therapy might be beneficial for you or your child:
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Open-mouth resting and/or sleeping posture
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Mouth breathing instead of nose breathing
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Sleep issues
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Neck strain
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Headaches
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Allergies or frequent congestion
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Speech concerns
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Jaw pain
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Teeth crowding, grinding, or clenching
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Tethered oral tissue (tongue-tie)
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TMD (temporomandibular disorder), also referred to as TMJ syndrome
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Food preferences or aversions
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Self-regulation difficulties
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Difficulty sustaining attention (ADHD)
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Fatigue
Many of these problems can originate in the mouth. Where the tongue rests—day and night—along with its range of motion and coordination, plays an important role in development and function.
The tongue is a muscle responsible not only for eating and swallowing but also for breathing, sleeping, and regulating the body. It influences how the bones in the skull form, including the jaw (mandible) and upper palate, which in turn affects how teeth come in and shift over time. A tethered tongue can also contribute to a smaller sinus cavity (due to a narrow palate and restricted facial bone growth), which can make nasal breathing more difficult.
This is only the tip of the tongue. Our tongue connects to other facial muscles through networks of muscles and fascia. When the tongue lacks optimal positioning or range of motion, other facial muscles often compensate—working harder than they should to help with eating, swallowing, and breathing.
If you suspect your tongue might be restricted or you could benefit from this kind of therapy, come in for an MFT evaluation with a certified therapist.
What is it like to receive Myofunctional Therapy?
First, you’ll participate in a comprehensive evaluation. The myofunctional therapist will listen to your symptoms and concerns, take photographs and videos, and document how your tongue and facial muscles function. Posture, mobility, and other relevant data will also be collected. You’ll receive a report to share with your other healthcare providers.
MFT is often part of an interdisciplinary treatment plan rather than a stand-alone service. Once the evaluation is complete, your therapist will recommend a treatment plan, and your sessions will begin.
Myofunctional therapy consists of a series of exercises designed to improve the positioning, range of motion, coordination, and tone of your tongue and facial muscles. Regular sessions and consistent home practice are essential so the brain can learn and reinforce the correct way to eat, swallow, and breathe. New exercises will be introduced, practiced, and monitored as you progress.
Because the mouth and face are affected by other restrictions in the body, treatment may also include supportive bodywork such as CranioSacral therapy or myofascial therapy as needed.
What makes Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy at Journeys different?
At Journeys Occupational Therapy, you’ll be evaluated by an occupational therapist certified by the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT-C) and experienced in CranioSacral Therapy, working with clients from infants to adults.
Due to the interconnectedness of the body through fascia, tongue restrictions can have wide-reaching effects. Within the myofunctional community—and among many dentists—bodywork is often recommended alongside MFT or in preparation for a tongue-tie release.
At Journeys, you’ll have the unique opportunity to receive both Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and CranioSacral therapy, supporting your journey toward a more functional, independent tongue and an improved quality of daily life.