Tongue Ties

The Fascial Continuum: Connecting Head to Toe

The intricate network of fascia envelops our entire body, seamlessly linking from the crown of our head to the tips of our toes. But what happens when this interconnected web encounters a restriction, a tether, beginning at the topmost point?

Tethered oral tissues (TOTS) initiate a cascade effect throughout our body, prompting adaptation and compensation mechanisms to maintain equilibrium. Our body's remarkable adaptability ensures its survival by adjusting to these restrictions.

The tongue, a muscular marvel, comprises eight sets of muscles, encompassing both extrinsic and intrinsic components. Its multifaceted role in daily functions underscores its profound impact on our overall well-being.

It's Essential For Patients To Undergo Pre And Post-Surgical Myofunctional Therapy.

While The Importance Of Post-Operative Therapy Is Widely Understood, Think About It This Way: Would You Undergo Surgery On Any Other Part Of Your Body Without Going Through Rehabilitation Afterward? At Myo Speech Solutions, We Provide Comprehensive Therapy Both Before And After Frenectomy Procedures. This Includes Active Wound Management Immediately Following The Surgery And A Complete Therapeutic Program Designed To Optimize The Function Of Your Newly Freed Tongue, Lip, Or Cheeks (Buccal), Ensuring That Your Orofacial Complex Functions Harmoniously.

What Many People May Not Realize Is That Pre-Operative Therapy Is Just As Crucial. By Reducing Fascial Restriction Before The Procedure, Your Skilled Provider Can Ensure An Optimal And Successful Release. Starting Therapy Before The Surgery Helps Create New Neural Pathways And Enhances Function And Strength. Many Of The Providers We Collaborate With Won't Perform A Frenectomy Until You've Undergone Myofunctional Therapy. We Are A Vital Piece Of The Puzzle, And We Strongly Advocate For Complementary Body Work As Well.

TOTs can impact the following:

Sleep Issues:

  • Sleep apnea

  • Restless/fidgets

  • Wets the bed

  • Chin to sky

  • Wakes tired

  • Grinds teeth

  • Mouth breathing

  • Snores

  • Gasps for air

  • Stunted growth due to deficient Human Growth Hormone

Nursing/Bottle Feeding:

  • Painful/shallow

  • Poor weight gain

  • Reflux

  • Messy eater

  • Low milk supply

  • Clicking/smacking

  • Nipple shield use

  • Colic

Feeding:

  • Slow

  • Picky/Texture issue

  • Grazes/small meals

  • Cheek packing

  • Choking/gaging

  • No new foods

  • Poor transition from liquids to solids

  • Messy eating

Speech:

  • Frustration

  • Hard to understand

  • Speech delay

  • /s/, /z/, /r/, /ch/, /t/, /d/, /th/, /l/

  • Stutter/mumble

  • In speech for an extended period of time

Craniofacial Respiratory Complex Development:

  • No tongue in palate to serve as scaffold for upper jaw

  • Malocclusion

  • Collapsed upper arch/high narrow palate

  • Recessed Chin

  • Deviated Septum

Other Issues:

  • Neck/shoulder pain

  • TMJ issues

  • Headaches

  • Strong gag reflex

  • Ear tubes

  • T&A

  • Chronic throat/ear infections

  • Eustachian tube dysfunction, HX of ear tubes

  • Mouth breathing

  • Reflux

  • Constipation

  • Digestive issues

  • ADHD

It is crucial a patient receives pre and post surgical myofunctional therapy.