Pre- and post-myofunctional therapy (OMT) is critical for the success of a tongue-tie release (frenectomy) because it ensures that the release procedure achieves its intended benefits. Here's why both stages are essential:
Pre-Therapy: Preparing the Body
Strengthening and Coordination
Pre-therapy helps strengthen the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw. This ensures the tongue is capable of functioning optimally once the restrictive frenulum is released.
Preventing Compensations
Over time, individuals with tongue ties develop compensatory habits, such as incorrect swallowing patterns, mouth breathing, or inefficient chewing. Pre-therapy addresses these compensations, reducing the risk of persisting issues after the release.
Optimal Wound Healing
A strong, functional tongue promotes proper wound healing by allowing natural movements that prevent reattachment of the frenulum (scar tissue buildup).
Improved Outcomes During Surgery
A prepared tongue with good range of motion allows the provider to assess and achieve the proper extent of the release during the procedure.
Post-Therapy: Reinforcing Function
Preventing Reattachment
Post-therapy includes exercises that maintain the tongue's mobility and discourage scar tissue from re-forming in a restrictive way.
Building Long-Term Function
After a tongue-tie release, the tongue needs to "learn" how to function in its new range of motion. This includes proper rest posture, swallowing, and speech patterns.
Integrating New Habits
Therapy helps retrain the muscles and the brain to integrate the tongue's new abilities into daily activities like eating, speaking, and breathing.
Supporting Adjacent Systems
The tongue-tie release impacts related systems, such as breathing, oral posture, and even head and neck alignment. Post-therapy supports these transitions for overall health improvement.
Outcome Without Myofunctional Therapy
Without myofunctional therapy, the benefits of a tongue-tie release might be incomplete. Issues such as reattachment, persistent dysfunction, or only partial improvement in symptoms may arise. Therapy maximizes the procedure's success, ensuring that the tongue can achieve its full potential in contributing to oral and systemic health.
Included with your purchase is a printable exercise tracker to help keep you accountable and consistent. You will also receive one 30 minute therapy check in session that can be virtual or in person. This session can be scheduled at your convenience and when you feel you need it during your therapy. You also have the option to purchase additional therapy sessions should you feel you need the extra support. During your course our Patient Coordinator will be your point of contact to assist with any questions you may have.