Myofunctional Therapy for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) can significantly impact one’s quality of life, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty in everyday activities like speaking and eating. While there are various approaches to managing TMD, one approach gaining attention is Myofunctional Therapy. This therapy aims to address the root causes of TMD by focusing on oral and facial muscles, breathing, and overall oral habits. Myofunctional Therapy has been shown to be effective in managing TMD.
Myofunctional Therapy can alleviate TMD symptoms by addressing underlying muscle dysfunction through tongue and lip exercises. Myofunctional Therapy also aims to balance the oral muscles, encouraging correct swallowing patterns, correct oral rest posture, and promoting nasal breathing. By doing so, it can potentially reduce the strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and alleviate associated discomfort.
Overall, there are many benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for TMD including, but not limited to the following:
Muscle Rehabilitation: Myofunctional Therapy targets the muscles involved in chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Strengthening and retraining these muscles can lead to improved overall function, potentially reducing TMD symptoms.
Breathing Correction: Many individuals with TMD exhibit improper breathing habits, such as mouth breathing. Myofunctional Therapy encourages nasal breathing, which can contribute to better oxygenation and reduce strain on the jaw joint.
Swallowing Pattern Improvement: Correcting swallowing patterns is crucial for TMD management. Myofunctional exercises can help individuals develop proper swallowing techniques, minimizing excessive strain on the jaw.
Non-Invasive Approach: Myofunctional Therapy is non-invasive and drug-free, making it an appealing option for individuals seeking natural alternatives for TMD relief.
Spot Pal also helps in Myofunctional Therapy for TMD. Spot Pal helps make myofunctional exercises easier to complete, and Spot Pal helps to establish proper oral resting posture resulting in a reduction in teeth grinding as well as teeth clenching.
Myofunctional Therapy offers a promising avenue for individuals seeking relief from Temporomandibular Disorders. By focusing on muscle rehabilitation, breathing correction, and swallowing pattern improvement, this holistic approach addresses underlying causes and potential contributors to TMD. If you or your child is dealing with TMD, it might be worth exploring Myofunctional Therapy and Spot Pal as a complementary approach to traditional treatments.
Reference
de Felício CM, de Oliveira MM, da Silva MA. Effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy on temporomandibular disorders. Cranio. 2010 Oct;28(4):249-59. doi: 10.1179/crn.2010.033. PMID: 21032979.
Noy, M. V. (1970, August 30). Myofunctional therapy for TMJ: NW myofunctional therapy Tigard, or. Myofunctional Therapy For TMJ | NW Myofunctional Therapy Tigard, OR. https://www.orofacial-myology.