Did you know that we as humans are not great at breathing? Seems like something we should naturally know how to do and do well. Unfortunately, that is not currently the case for many of us. Our airways are smaller, we have more congestion, and we are not trained from a young age to breathe through our nose. Mouth breathing, even sometimes, is not great for any of our body systems.
It has been said, “You should breathe through your mouth as much as you eat through your nose.” Wow!!! So, what can we do about it?
Thankfully more and more physical therapists at Therapeutic Associates PT are becoming specialists in this area and are here to help. One of the newer tools these specialists are using is an assessment and treatment called Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, and it can do amazing things.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is designed to address and correct muscle function of the face, mouth, tongue, and throat. It focuses on improving breathing, swallowing, talking, chewing, and sleeping through specific exercises, activity modification, posture training, and self-awareness.
Common issues treated by orofacial myofunctional therapy
OMT is highly effective for a range of conditions, including:
- Mouth breathing
- Poor sleep and snoring
- Headaches/Migraines
- Grinding/Bruxism and clenching
- Jaw pain (TMD/TMJ)
- Fatigue
- Posture
Why your tongue plays a critical role in body alignment
The tongue is the strongest muscle in your body. It also is the start of a line of fascial tissue that goes from the base of the tongue, down the whole front of the body, and ends at the big toe. If the tongue is down, it facilitates shortening of that entire fascial line. This makes it so much harder to get into a neutral position and decrease the strain on our body system.
Is OMT right for you?
If you’re experiencing any of the issues above, OMT could be the solution you need—especially if other treatments haven’t worked. Try these simple tests to see if OMT might benefit you:
- Suction your tongue fully to the roof of your mouth and hold for 1 minute with your mouth open
- Breathe through your nose at rest and with light activity
- Hold your breath comfortably for 30 seconds
- Stick your tongue out flat and straight and hold for 30 seconds with your mouth open
If you struggle with any of these exercises or have ongoing symptoms, it may be time to explore OMT. This therapy is suitable for people of all ages, and it’s never too late to start improving your quality of life!
If you’re considering or scheduled for orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), you might have some questions about what the process entails. Learn more by reading our blog: What Happens During Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Unlock the power of OMT
OMT can transform the way you breathe, sleep, and live. By retraining the muscles of your face, tongue, and throat, OMT helps you conquer challenges like mouth breathing, poor sleep, and jaw pain—one simple, effective exercise at a time!
