Myofunctional therapy
A structured exercise programme that retrains the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face, working at the level of function rather than structure alone.
Myofunctional therapy is a structured exercise programme that retrains the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face.
Through guided, progressive exercises, it corrects the patterns behind poor tongue posture, disordered swallowing, and habitual mouth breathing. Think of it as rehabilitation for the oral and facial muscles, working at the level of function rather than structure alone.
Sessions address how the tongue rests at baseline, how it moves during eating and speaking, and how breathing patterns interact with those movements day to day. Over time, these exercises can recondition deeply ingrained habits that structural treatment alone will not resolve.
How you breathe shapes how your face, jaw, and airway develop and, later in life, how well those structures continue to function. Habitual mouth breathing can alter tongue posture, reduce nasal airflow, and place uneven muscular pressure on the jaws and teeth. The relationship runs in both directions: a restricted tongue can contribute to mouth breathing, and mouth breathing can entrench poor tongue posture further.
Addressing these patterns can support more stable outcomes from orthodontic or jaw treatment, and it can be a meaningful part of managing symptoms such as jaw tension, disrupted sleep, and teeth grinding in adults.
In children
Myofunctional therapy is often used alongside expander therapy or following a tongue or lip tie release, helping to establish the correct muscle habits that support jaw development and nasal breathing.
Children's care →
In adults
For adults, it can form part of a wider approach to managing TMJ discomfort, bruxism, snoring, or sleep-disordered breathing, particularly where muscle function and breathing patterns are contributing factors.
Adult treatment →An initial assessment looks at tongue strength, range of motion, resting posture, and swallow pattern. From there, a tailored exercise programme is put in place, progressing through stages as function improves.
Sessions are available in-person or virtually, making it accessible regardless of location. Each session typically runs for around 45 to 60 minutes, and exercises are assigned for daily practice at home between appointments. Consistency with the home programme is where the real work happens, since the exercises need to be repeated regularly to build new muscle habits. A full programme can run across several months, depending on the individual's starting point and goals.
A few of the ones we hear most. The full list answers more across every topic.
Myofunctional therapy is, in practical terms, physical therapy for the tongue and the muscles of the face and throat. It addresses tongue posture, range of motion, swallowing patterns, and the muscle coordination involved in breathing. It can be delivered in person or, in many cases, remotely. It is a core part of treatment for both children and adults where tongue or breathing dysfunction is present.
A tongue tie is a tight band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. What matters clinically is not simply whether the tissue is present, but whether it limits tongue movement and function. Where it does, a functional release procedure can be considered, typically using laser-assisted techniques. Myofunctional therapy before and after the procedure is a key part of achieving a good outcome.
Yes. Myofunctional therapy sessions can be conducted virtually, which can suit patients who are not local or who prefer to continue therapy from home between in-person appointments.
Treatment duration varies considerably depending on the patient's age, the conditions being addressed, and the combination of therapies involved. Childhood cases with straightforward structural concerns may resolve over twelve to twenty-four months. Adult cases involving TMJ dysfunction, sleep concerns, and layered structural issues can take longer. We will give you a realistic picture at your assessment.
Book a consultation with the Growth and Airway team to discuss whether myofunctional therapy can be part of your care.