What Is Oral Myofunctional Therapy? Why a Physical Therapist May Be the Best Professional to Help

Myofunctional therapy addresses the coordination, strength and mobility of the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, jaw and even posture.

If you’ve been experiencing jaw pain, tongue thrust, sleep-disordered breathing, or difficulty with orthodontic retention, you may have come across the term oral myofunctional therapy (OMT). But what exactly is OMT—and why is working with a physical therapist trained in this specialty often the most effective and comprehensive approach?

Oral Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a form of neuromuscular retraining that focuses on correcting improper muscle patterns of the face, tongue, and jaw. These dysfunctional patterns—known as orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs)—can affect:

• Breathing (especially nasal vs. mouth breathing)

• Swallowing and chewing

• Tongue posture and speech

• Jaw alignment and stability

• Orthodontic outcomes and relapse

• Sleep quality and airway health

  
  

The therapy involves a series of specific exercises that target the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles to restore optimal function and coordination. These exercises are gentle, progressive, and often combined with behavioral changes, bodywork and postural awareness.

Do I Need a Tongue Tie to Benefit from Oral Myofunctional Therapy?

Many people find out about OMT due to the increased awareness surrounding tongue ties (ankyloglossia). However, OMT is not just for tongue tie releases (frenectomies)!

Most people first learn about oral myofunctional therapy (OMT) through conversations about tongue ties (ankyloglossia). That’s because tongue tie releases—known as frenectomies—have become more common in children and adults seeking relief from:

• Difficulty breastfeeding (in infants)

• Speech issues

• Chronic TMJ pain

• Mouth breathing

• Orthodontic relapse

• Sleep-disordered breathing

However, while a restricted tongue (a true tongue tie) is a clear indication for myofunctional therapy, it’s not the only reason someone may benefit from it.

Why Is OMT So Closely Linked with Tongue Ties?

After a tongue tie release, the tongue needs to regain full mobility, strength, and coordination—or else symptoms may persist, or the tissue may reattach. That’s where OMT comes in. It's physical therapy for the tongue: it retrains the muscles to move and function properly after being restricted for so long.

Many forward-thinking dentists, ENTs, and lactation consultants now refer patients for OMT before and after frenectomy to:

• Ensure proper tongue function

• Reduce compensatory habits

• Minimize the risk of reattachment

• Improve surgical outcomes

But Here’s the Key:

You don’t need a tongue tie diagnosis—or a frenectomy—to benefit from OMT.

Many people have dysfunctional oral habits or muscle imbalances without having a significant anatomical restriction. These patterns can still cause:

• Mouth breathing

• Tongue thrust and swallowing issues

• TMJ dysfunction

• Orthodontic complications

• Facial tension and poor posture

And in those cases, oral myofunctional therapy alone can resolve symptoms without surgery.

Why Choose a Physical Therapist for Oral Myofunctional Therapy?

While OMT is often provided by dental hygienists or speech-language pathologists, a physical therapist brings a whole-body approach to the treatment—especially when trained in OMT techniques, neuromuscular re-education and myofascial release.

1. Whole-Body Integration

A physical therapist doesn’t just look at the face or jaw—they evaluate how posture, breathing, neck alignment, and muscular imbalances affect oral function. This makes treatment more holistic and often more successful.

2. Specialized Neuromuscular Training

PTs are experts in motor pattern retraining, muscle activation, and stability exercises.

3. TMJ and Cervical Spine Expertise

Many people with OMDs also suffer from TMJ dysfunction, neck pain, or headaches. Here at Stability In Wellness, we specialize in TMJ treatments and address the root cause of these issues. By addressing the root cause of the symptoms, we can restore harmony between the jaw, neck, and facial muscles.

4. Post-Frenectomy Support

After tongue or lip-tie release, working with a physical therapist who can assist with myofascial release and bodywork ensures that the tongue and surrounding musculature regain full range, strength, and function—minimizing scar tissue and improving outcomes.

What to Expect During OMT with a Physical Therapist

At Stability In Wellness, your OMT treatment is customized and evidence-based. Here’s what your care may include:

• Comprehensive evaluation of breathing patterns, tongue mobility, jaw movement, posture, and habits at rest

• A personalized program of myofunctional exercises

• Breathing re-education 

• Hands-on manual therapy for jaw and neck tension (e.g., myofascial release or dry needling)

• Dry needling to release tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw, neck and shoulders

• Collaboration with dentists, ENTs, orthodontists and speech language pathologists for integrative care

  
  

  

  Physical therapists can utilize dry needling to address muscle tension in the jaw, facial, neck and shoulder muscles.

Ready to Get to the Root of Your Oral Dysfunction?

If you’re looking for a more effective approach to oral myofunctional therapy, working with a licensed physical therapist may be your best next step.

At Stability In Wellness, we offer in-person and virtual OMT sessions tailored to your needs—whether you’re recovering from a tongue-tie release, managing TMJ pain, or preparing for orthodontic treatment.

Book a free discovery call today by messaging us at 561-231-0401 or via email at info@stabilityinwellness.com

Welcome to nontraditional physical therapy.

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