There is a specialized, complex system of facial and oral muscles with crucial functions that have a significant impact on overall health and well-being. When these structures are not functioning properly, it's called an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD).
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a neuromuscular re-education of the oral and facial muscles. It consists of specific techniques and exercises for the face, mouth, tongue, and oropharynx (the part of the throat just behind the oral cavity that includes the base of the tongue and soft palate). These techniques and exercises improve strength, mobility, tone and coordination, and re-train the muscles to function optimally. The therapy is safe, relatively simple, and the most conservative option for many conditions.
Often habits and patterns we develop as children carry through to adulthood. These habits/patterns can lead to a chain of medical and dental issues, negatively impacting quality of life. Identifying OMDs in young children is the key to prevention.
There is a general understanding that certain musculoskeletal and health conditions require rehabilitation/therapy to restore or improve function. Often the muscles of the face and mouth are not included in the therapy equation. In fact, the muscle patterns of the orofacial complex are often overlooked, but can be the root cause of many health conditions. When a structure or muscle is not working properly, the body compensates in order to keep functioning. However, this compensation leads to dysfunction, abnormal patterns of movement, and imbalance.
Orofacial myofunctional disorders typically begin in early childhood or even infancy, and if undiagnosed and untreated, continue throughout a lifetime, leading to a chain of health issues. OMDs can cause the following:
I hope the information on this website provides an understanding of how structure and muscle function of the orofacial complex can be directly and/or indirectly linked to overall health and should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment process of certain health conditions. For more information, please call me at 609-221-7136, or email me.
I'm so happy you found your way here and I'm excited to help! I've always been driven to find solutions to problems. What better way to fix a problem than getting to the root cause? Orofacial myofunctional therapy does just that... it gets to the source of the problem rather than just treating symptoms.
A desire to help people and a passion for creativity and science lead me to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. I graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 2005 and began my career as an OT in Pediatrics before transitioning to adult rehabilitation. My focus is now in orofacial myofunctional disorders, and my education and experience as an OT enhances my approach to treatment as an orofacial myofunctional therapy provider. My mission is to raise awareness about OMDs and the benefits of therapy for children and adults, to use a collaborative approach to guide treatment, and to be the best provider I can be for individuals who put their trust in my services.