Treating Tongue-Tie & Other Ties That Bind
Pediatric Myofascial Release produces consistent results in all ages ~ infants, toddlers, children and even adults suffering from tongue and lip tie. This therapy can treatspeech and swallowing difficulties, digestive problems, sleeping difficulties, reflux, elimination difficulties, scoliosis, positioning difficulties (babies only tolerating being held), orthopedic problems, birthing injuries known or undiagnosed, head trauma, cerebral palsy, torticollis and other neurological and movement dysfunctions.
Myofascial release (MFR) therapy focuses on releasing muscular shortness and tightness. There are a number of conditions and symptoms that myofascial release therapy addresses.
Many patients seek myofascial treatment after losing flexibility or function following an injury or if experiencing ongoing back, shoulder, hip, or pain in any area containing soft tissue. We use Myofascial Therapy often in conjunction with Lip and tongue Tie release to help restore optimal function in the face, jaw and mouth. Other conditions treated by myofascial release therapy include Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more.
- Tightness of the tissues that restricts motion or pulls the body out of alignment, causing individuals to favor and overuse one hip or shoulder, for example
- Restrained mobility in the tongue, mouth, face or jaw
- A sense of excessive pressure on muscles or joints that produces pain
- Pain in any part or parts of the body, including headache or back pain
Myofascial Release is easy, safe, and effective ~ designed to be utilized alongside appropriate modalities, frenotomy, mobilization, exercise and flexibility programs, and neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), along with sensory integration and movement therapy.
Biologically, it’s what holds us together
Fascia is the current biological phenomenon that is receiving long-overdue attention from body workers, athletes, medical professionals, alternative practitioners and now, finally, researchers.
The answer lies in fascia. In fact, fascia could be the answer to a lot of questions about structure, movement, stability, pain and healing.
Fascia is a web of connective tissue formed in bands that wraps around all the internal parts of the body from head to toe and fuses it all together. It allows the muscles to move freely alongside other structures and reduces friction. It can be found immediately beneath the skin, around muscles, groups of muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, organs and cells. Fascia is everywhere.
Frenectomy
In order to rebuild the necessary orofacial function especially in adult patients, it is not always sufficient to stop at the frenectomy (removing the extra connective tissue under the tongue or lip). Once the frenum is removed, we reassess the function of the mouth taking into account the jaw range of motion, the floor of the mouth flexibility, and the tongue’s ability to elevate, protrude, and achieve lateral functions. This will assist in determining if a full release was achieved. We proceed slowly to release tension and allow for full movement of the tongue.
The patient typically returns to the dental office for healing assessment and myofunctional therapy weekly. Our team then reviews and re-evaluates the benefits achieved. This is necessary for evaluation of the performance of the tongue, the tone and function changes of the lingual muscles and the suppleness of the healing tissue.
Expect to recover quickly from this procedure and be ready to exercise your mouth and tongue.
