Myofunctional Therapist Serving Phoenix, AZ

ORAL FACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY INCLUDES:

Facial Muscles - Neck Muscles - Shoulder Muscles

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Tongue Thrust

Symptoms of open mouth breathing, messy eater, dry lips, large tongue, nasal congestion, dark circles under the eyes, wheezing, snoring. Long face syndrome, not using nasal breathing, prevents mid-face growth. Call today, earlier the age the better - all ages can be affected. 

Call - (480) 442-1590

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The Tongue the CEO of the Body

Oral and physical health starts with the tongue. The tongue controls airway O2 flow, chewing, digestion colic/reflux, gagging, facial development, Circulatory system=Oxygen, Nervous system= behavior, ADD-ADHD, Muscular system=facial & speech development, skeletal system= jaws and palate. 

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Facial Paralysis - TBI

Causes of Paralysis Infectious Bell’s Palsy, Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome, Otitis Media/Mastoiditis these conditions can cause facial paralysis.

Those patients that do not respond to medication have a reason to call Muscles in Harmony

A close up of the lips and tongue of a child

Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing also known as open-mouth posture/breathing through the mouth rather than the nose. Mouth breathing is abnormal when a child or adult breathes through their mouth at rest.
 

Mouth breathing can begin at birth

Studies have proven that mouth breathing causes many sleepless nights, which causes for sleep deprivation for any child or adult that needs to concentrate for school or work. The human tongue is a muscle, "muscle that always wins" if not in the correct tongue posture.

Myofunctional disorders can be corrected with specific exercises, time and patience, the earlier therapy is started for any child or adult the quicker the oral and facial balance.
Babies that have trouble breast feeding or bottle feeding may have a frenum muscle that is causing the problem. All babies need nourishment, all mothers want their baby to thrive.
Check the baby's frenum under the tongue and under the front lip. Sometimes, these muscles are too short or tight and need to be adjusted via a release with a simple laser or cauterize technique. This treatment is non-invasive, less traumatic for all.
Children today have many allergies, allergies cause stuffy noses which causes open mouth breathing, which causes dry lips, dry mouth, lack of oxygen to the brain through out their school day, less attention to detail in school or at home. Allergy medication causes drowsiness, it is a viscous circle of unhealthy life for children. With several techniques on breathing re-education of the tongue posture, your child will be breathing again to have fun and enjoy childhood. Airway obstruction via open mouth posture has been connected to ADD/ADHD

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Snoring - Sleep Apnea

Snoring can lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnea.Specific therapy and exercises can assist in eliminating the snoring. This is usually a multi-disciplinary approach. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can lead to a healthier life. facial muscles

Let’s get Serious

Socially a snorer can be a target for ridicule, bed partners can experience sleepless nights and fatigue
Medically snoring disturbs a good nights sleep, the patterns which deprives oxygen to the blood, causes the heart to work harder.
Children with allergies, enlarged tonsils, adenoids, will breath through their mouth. This is a concern for their posture and over all health. Open mouth posture is not healthy for children or adults. Dry mouth can cause periodontal disease, bad breath, dry lips, frequent illness, and lack of oxygen to the brain that can cause brain deficiencies.

Risks:
Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea includes heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heart beat, blood pressure and heart disease. Sleep apnea can result in sleepiness during the day, at work or at school. Each patient is different and should schedule a visit to their medical physician. Severity could be mild, moderate or severe. Don't walk run to the physicians office.
Myofunctional Therapy can wait to assist you after a medical evaluation.

Symptoms:

  • morning headaches
  • unrefreshed sleep
  • dry mouth upon waking
  • high blood pressure
  • overweight
  • irritability
  • change in personality
  • depression
  • difficulty concentrating
  • heart burn
  • reduce libido
  • insomina
  • restless sleep
  • nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking - may wake self • rapid weight gain

Snoring sounds occur when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air at the back of the mouth and nose.
Snoring may be a sign of poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat. The tongue falls backwards into the airway when muscles are relaxed results in snore noise.

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TMD Pain

TMD pain can be debilitating to say the least. Headaches,, tooth aches, ear aches, Pain can radiate from the base of the neck along the ear, tinnitus, clicking difficulty opening the mouth. Moving the jaw and muscles are involved in chewing. Creating harmony can help all facial and TMJ muscles.