Speech & Myofunctional Therapy
Correct Oral Function Improves the Success of Speech Therapy schedule examSpeech & Myofunctional Therapy
It is important to understand that these two specialties are not one in the same. Myofunctional therapy focuses on the muscle function of the facial and oral muscles as well as the stability and structure of the mouth and jaw. Speech therapy focuses on learning and cognitive issue associated with speech concerns. Myofunctional therapy is an area that neither dental hygienists or speech pathologists are usually trained in. However, advanced training brings these two areas together, ideally working together to advance the treatment of the patient.
How Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Go Hand-In-Hand
Myofunctional therapy is considered a cornerstone for the successful treatment of speech issues. Since myofunctional therapy focuses on the tongue and the muscles, it only makes sense that having proper function and habits of the muscles will make speech therapy more successful. Making sure the tongue has proper placement and muscle control will help the speech therapist with speech therapy.
There are specific speech challenges that are directly tied to myofunctional dysfunction. These are:
“S” Sound: A lisp is when a patient has trouble making the proper, crisp “S” sound. A lisp usually accompanies a tongue thrust habit and mouth breathing.
“T, D, L, N” Sounds: These four sounds require precise movement and placement of the tongue. If a patient has a weak tongue, they will exhibit poor control of their oral muscles.
“R and L” Sounds: When a child has difficulty with these sounds, it is a sign of a tongue-tie. The child cannot be successful with speech therapy for these sounds if a physical condition exists that keeps their tongue from being placed in the proper position for the formation of the sounds. Read here for more on tongue-ties and how to treat them.
How My Therapy Program Can Help You
My therapy program first looks for any physical obstacles to treatment, such as a tongue-tie. After a thorough examination of physical obstacles, I work to teach the precise placements and muscle control needed for proper sound formation. Again, remember that myofunctional therapy is not correcting speech, but rather it is correcting position. It might be necessary to follow my therapy with speech therapy to receive the proper help from both modalities.