Improving Oral Function, Speech, Breathing, and Swallowing Through Evidence-Based Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized treatment approach that focuses on improving the strength, coordination, and function of the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. Trained speech language therapists use myofunctional therapy to help children and adults develop proper oral rest posture, breathing patterns, swallowing, and speech production.
When oral muscles do not work together efficiently, it can affect speech clarity, feeding, breathing, dental development, and overall health. Myofunctional therapy addresses these underlying patterns to support long-term functional change.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a neuromuscular re-education program designed to improve how the muscles of the lips, tongue, jaw, and face function at rest and during daily activities such as speaking, eating, and breathing.
The goal of myofunctional therapy is to:
- Establish proper tongue and lip posture
- Improve nasal breathing
- Normalize swallowing patterns
- Support clear speech and oral motor control
- Promote balanced muscle function of the face and mouth
Therapy is individualized and based on each person’s specific needs and functional goals.
What Is an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder?
An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) occurs when the muscles of the face and mouth are not working in typical or efficient ways. These patterns can develop in childhood or persist into adulthood.
Common signs of an orofacial myofunctional disorder include:
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue thrust or forward tongue posture
- Open-mouth resting posture
- Difficulty with chewing or swallowing
- Speech sound errors (such as lisps)
- Excessive drooling
- Jaw tension or fatigue
- Dental concerns such as malocclusion or orthodontic relapse
Trained speech therapists can identify and treat orofacial myofunctional disorders using evidence-based strategies.
How Speech Therapists Help with Myofunctional Therapy
Speech-language therapists (SLPs) are uniquely qualified to provide myofunctional therapy due to their expertise in speech, swallowing, breathing, and oral motor function.
During myofunctional therapy, speech therapists:
- Evaluate oral rest posture, breathing, swallowing, and speech patterns
- Identify muscle imbalances or inefficient movement patterns
- Design individualized therapy plans
- Teach targeted exercises to improve strength, coordination, and endurance
- Provide functional practice for speech, feeding, and swallowing
- Support carryover into daily routines
Therapy focuses on functional change, not just isolated exercises.
Myofunctional therapy is often most effective when provided in collaboration with other professionals such as orthodontists, dentists, ENTs, and pediatricians.
What to Expect in Myofunctional Therapy
Assessment
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation to assess:
- Tongue, lip, and jaw posture
- Breathing patterns
- Swallowing function
- Speech clarity
- Oral muscle coordination and strength
Therapy Sessions
Therapy sessions may include:
- Targeted oral muscle exercises
- Postural awareness and correction
- Breathing retraining
- Swallowing practice
- Speech and functional integration activities
Consistency and home practice are essential for long-term success.
Is Myofunctional Therapy Evidence-Based?
Myofunctional therapy is supported by growing research and clinical evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in improving oral function, swallowing, breathing patterns, and speech when appropriately prescribed and delivered by trained professionals.
Our Myofunctional Therapy Approach
Our speech therapists have specialized training in myofunctional therapy and orofacial myofunctional disorders. We take a collaborative, individualized approach to therapy and work closely with families and other healthcare providers to support lasting results.
We are committed to helping clients build healthy, functional oral patterns that support communication, feeding, and overall well-being.
Schedule an Evaluation
If you or your child have concerns related to oral posture, breathing, swallowing, or speech, myofunctional therapy may help.
Contact us today to schedule a myofunctional therapy evaluation or learn more about our services.
