Having problems with some essential tongue functions such as breathing, eating, or speaking reveals that you have a condition of either tongue tie or lip tie. A medical condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor is too short that it limits tongue movement is called tongue tie.
This is treatable with either frenectomy or performing some tongue physical therapy that releases it. Let’s learn about myofascial treatment and how it benefits tongue tie release.
Tongue Tie Phoenix has a team of professionals available to help parents and infants with special procedures for tongue ties. Book your appointment today and discuss myofascial therapy for your issue.
Myofascial Therapy & Tongue Tie Release
Myo means “muscles,” and fascia refers to the network of connective tissues that supports muscles throughout the human body. This is an addition to the restorative therapies for tongue ties exclusive to the oral structures, communication, and adaptive network that extends to your entire body.
It involves several exercises that train your orofacial tissues to release restrictions in the fascial network. Moreover, it helps release muscle tissue tension and connected body parts such as the neck, face, and head.
Studies reveal that it strengthens the tongue, trains it to get into a natural position, and improves its swallowing function. Moreover, mouth breathers help by teaching you comfortable nasal breathing.
The therapy is highly effective for tongue tie cases and is often performed before or after the frenectomy. It is an imperative part of treatment as the tongue tie specialist recommends tongue strengthening eight weeks before the surgery.
By working with a myofascial therapist, patients can quickly restore their muscles to achieve the correct posture and increase tongue functioning. Post-release, this therapy is equally important to perform daily to prevent reattaching of the frenum.
5 Reasons Why Myofascial Therapy is Needed?
The myofascial release involves placing pressure on trigger points to encourage them to relax.
As the myofascial tissue network extends to the muscles, joints, and bones, it can benefit the whole body. Many therapists also recommend it as a holistic approach to patient care.
Now, let’s discover more reasons why it is necessary:
1: Improve oral functions
If you are an adult looking to improve your tongue activities without surgery, myofascial therapy is for you. This is the best tongue tie treatment for mild cases, which involves retraining the muscles engaged in tongue movements.
This is one of the solid reasons to go for this approach rather than tongue-release surgery.
It will make your oral system efficient and build up your muscles for surgery if needed.
2: Optimal outcomes
Before tongue tie release through the frenectomy, it helps with the successful outcome by preparing the muscles and after the procedure to prevent them from reattaching. Moreover, it increases muscle coordination for various tongue-related activities.
3: Speed up recovery
Post frenectomy, tongue, and face therapy help the patients recover soon. Additionally, it reduces the complications of the tongue tie release process and yields a good outcome.
4: Holistic treatment
Facial and oral physical therapy is similar to your other body muscle exercises, which make them strong and enhance body functioning. Likewise, it is the best holistic exercise to improve your routine facial movements requiring breathing, chewing, and swallowing.
5: Prevent relapse
For lip tie or tongue tie, there is always a chance of relapse after surgery. With regular muscle exercises, it is now possible to improve your overall quality of life with correct tongue posture without reattachment.
Coordination of Whole Bodywork With Myofunctional Therapy
Incorporating MFR with whole-body bodywork aims to address the alignment of tongue functions with the entire body.
The tongue is not an isolated muscle but is well connected through soft tissues with the rest of the body.
Addressing imbalances and body restrictions is advantageous in building up muscles and improving disrupted airflow, airway obstructions, snoring, and sleep apnea.
Studies reveal that it also offers effectiveness for various other conditions, such as:
Instead of relying on medications with potential side effects, myofunctional therapy offers a safe and effective exercise-based approach with numerous benefits.
How Long Does It Take to Perform?
In most cases, each therapy session is an hour at maximum. It usually takes between 30 minutes to 55 minutes. Although tongue surgery takes only a few minutes, the recovery period is extended.
For instance, retraining your tongue muscles with such exercises is essential if you want a successful tongue release.
A tongue tie specialist with myofascial certification and experience can help you with how to perform exercise and massage at home. Moreover, they can better guide parents and kids about this tongue-release therapy and how long you need to accomplish it.
The Bottom Line:
Myofunctional therapy complements frenectomy for tongue tie, enhancing its effectiveness and long-term success. It is not an alternative to surgery, but patients can achieve successful results by combining both.
FAQs
What is myofascial release therapy for tongue tie?
Myofascial tissue, or myofunctional therapy, is designed by practitioners to restore tongue strength, which is mainly wasted by natural restrictions.
What is the best treatment for tongue tie?
The best treatment for tongue tie is frenectomy or laser frenectomy. However, with the recent advancements, myofascial and myofunctional therapies yield the best results.
What therapy is needed after tongue tie release?
Myofascial therapy is needed after or before tongue tie as it helps train muscles about the correct functioning. Moreover, it benefits speech therapy, tongue posture, and aesthetics.
How much does myofascial therapy cost?
It costs around $75 per session. The cost of therapy is considered expensive as the specialists spend their time studying the anatomy of oral muscles, which takes years to get.
