Myofunctional Therapy: What Is It and Why You Need It?
Statistics show that over 78% of adult population suffers from sleep-related issues. If you are suffering from sleep apnea or snoring, then Myofunctional Therapy may be able to help.
Myofunctional therapy is known to work best for children aged 8 as well as adults. Before undergoing any treatment plan, make sure that you consult a certified specializing in myofunctional therapist.
These professionals can help you understand what kind of treatment is best for your situation and whether or not myofunctional therapy is the right one for you.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is an alternative form of treatment that focuses on correcting the muscles in the face and body. This fact is especially relevant for muscles in the head and neck region, leading to issues such as sleep apnea, snoring, and more.
The goal of myofunctional therapy is to improve your quality of life by correcting any issues brought on by improper muscle function. It can also assist you in learning how to improve your breathing, leading to better quality sleep.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, myofunctional treatment can help. This is a common disorder that affects more than 18 million people each year. This is a severe condition that can lead to heart disease, depression, and other health problems. The muscle tone in the throat is often too weak for proper breathing at night, causing sleep apnea.
Myofunctional therapy can strengthen these muscles, allowing you to breathe better at night.
Does Myofunctional Therapy Help Improve Breathing?
There are many reasons why myofunctional treatment can help you with your breathing during the night. For instance, it will work with you to avoid sleep positions that affect your breathing and cause problems. This may include sleeping on your back or sleeping with a cervical pillow.
Your myofunctional therapist will also work with you to relax your tongue, open up the airway, and learn how to breathe through your diaphragm rather than only through your nose and mouth.
Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional treatment can benefit several people, including those who suffer from snoring and sleep apnea. This treatment is also effective for treating children with dental issues.
It may also help individuals dealing with asthma or acid reflux issues and anyone who has breathing problems or allergies. If you find your jaw hurts when you wake up in the morning, you may also benefit from this type of therapy.
What Is Involved With Myofunctional Therapy?
This treatment method will first consist of examining what muscles need work.
After addressing the muscles in your head and neck, another portion of myofunctional treatment will help you learn how to speak more clearly. This is also known as “articulatory fitness.” It involves learning how to communicate with proper diction so that others can understand you.
Once you achieve this, your myofunctional therapist will make you aware of proper chewing and swallowing techniques.
Final Thoughts
Myofunctional treatment is gaining popularity owing to its varied benefits. It usually involves a combination of exercises and the use of dental tools such as palatal implants and headgear to help you learn how to move your jaw correctly throughout the day.