Our
Myo Matters' Mission
Here at Myo Matters, therapy is provided by Paula and Emily, Qualified Orofacial Myologists (QOM). We have studied with the leaders in the field to provide our patients with an individualized therapy plan best suited for their needs. Orofacial-Myofunctional Therapy retrains normal muscular function in the muscles of the face and mouth, promotes nasal breathing, proper rest position of the tongue and lips, and forms a normal swallow pattern. Myofunctional Therapy exercises can be used to prevent and help treat many health issues such as:
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Tongue tie,
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Tongue thrust,
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Headaches,
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Jaw and facial pain,
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TMJ,
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Snoring and sleep disordered breathing,
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Neck and shoulder tension,
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Poor dental health,
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Crooked or misaligned teeth
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..And more.
About
Paula Anderson RDH QOM
& Dr. Emily Hawkins OTR/L OMT
My name is Paula Anderson. I’m a Qualified Orofacial Myologist and a Registered Dental Hygienist. I have worked in the dental profession for over 20 years. After taking several continuing education classes on craniofacial development and sleep disordered breathing...
My name is Emily Hawkins. I am an Occupational Therapist who practices myofunctional therapy...
Click the arrow below to read Paula and Emily full bio
Myofunctional Therapy/ Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a program of specific exercises that target the orofacial muscles used to chew and swallow. These exercises strengthen the tongue and lips ... In addition, it helps to reinforce the proper position of the tongue within the mouth for optimal craniofacial development, dental occlusion, and nasal breathing. Myofunctional Therapy is also used to stop negative oral habits such as thumb sucking.
4 Goals of Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is a program of specific exercises that target the orofacial muscles used to chew and swallow. These exercises strengthen the tongue and lips ... In addition, it helps to reinforce the proper position of the tongue within the mouth for optimal craniofacial development, dental occlusion, and nasal breathing. Myofunctional Therapy is also used to stop negative oral habits such as thumb sucking.
1. Good Lip Seal
2. Good Nasal Breathing- All day and all night
3. Proper Tongue Rest Posture
4. Proper Swallow Pattern
01.
Full Therapy - Children and Adults
12+ Sessions
The full therapy program consists of 12 or more sessions. It begins with training the tip of the tongue where to rest and keeping lips sealed while increasing muscle tone and coordination.
02.
This Therapy is focused on what it will take to get you ready for your frenectomy procedure and what you will need to rehab the wound and tongue post surgery. Often time swallow therapy is recommended after this therapy is completed.
03.
This Therapy is for very young children. Ones we know have myofunctional issues, but are too young for a structured therapy program. As often as possible, exercises are altered to be fun activities, games, or competitions. Therapy is done in 3 session intervals and re-evaluated as the child grows to continue therapy. Often times a MyoMunchee is used.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Before going through myofunctional therapy with Paula, I had a tongue thrust, breathed through my mouth at night, and used a lot of extra facial muscles while swallowing food. Paula was very good at explaining each exercise I had for the week, and went at an easy pace for me to perfect each level of therapy before going to the next one. She speaks very calmly to patients, and I felt extremely comfortable working with her. Even if I didn’t get an exercise exactly right, Paula was so encouraging and I never left her office feeling defeated, just motivated to do it better the next time. After about 12 sessions, I now no longer have my tongue thrust, I breathe exclusively through my nose at night, and I only use necessary muscles for swallowing. Thank you, Myo Matters!
— Sara C.
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