Myofunctional therapy works by improving the function of the muscles around your face, mouth, and tongue, which can lead to improved breathing while you sleep.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based treatment aimed at improving the function of the muscles you use for chewing, swallowing, and speech. You may be interested in myofunctional therapy if you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, such as breathing issues, snoring, or lack of energy caused by poor sleep. This type of therapy focuses on retraining the tongue and orofacial muscles to achieve optimal function.
Key Goals of Myofunctional Therapy:
- Correct Tongue Position: Myofunctional therapy aims to ensure the tongue consistently rests in the ideal spot in the mouth.
- Improve Breathing: These exercises are designed to promote nasal breathing and reduce mouth breathing.
- Enhance Swallowing: This type of therapy facilitates proper swallowing techniques.
Myofunctional therapists design individualized exercise programs based on your specific needs. Each session may involve activities like strengthening exercises for the tongue and facial muscles. These exercises are usually simple and can be performed at home.