Why does posture matter in Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?

Believe it or not, posture directly relates to orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). If we have poor posture or misalignment in our posture, we will often see OMDs as well. 

In the feeding world we often hear the phrase, “what you see on your hips you see on the lips.” to put it simply, poor posture at the level of the pelvis will impact posture and full function on the face and in the mouth! 

Let’s get a bit more technical…

A journal article from the International Journal of Orofacial Myology titled “Orofacial myofunctional disorders in children with asymmetry of the posture and locomotion apparatus” studied 352 children who were identified as having weak body posture. In this study, it was found that 70% of participants also had orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs).

Posture directly affects our ability to breath through the nose. 

It begins with our oral resting posture. Correct oral resting posture means our tongue is resting on the palate, our mouth is closed, and we are breathing through the nose- not the mouth. 

For optimal growth and development overall, including the orofacial complex, we must have proper posture. 

Good or optimal posture when standing or sitting includes natural spinal alignment, without hunching or extension, the shoulders should be down and back, and the head should be centered on the shoulders. 

Did you know…forward head posture, which is a very common postural condition where the head protrudes forward from the body, can reduce oxygen intake by as much as 30%?! 

30% reduction in oxygen- and some people are in this posture chronically.

In turn, forward head posture is known to have a large impact on the respiratory system by weakening the respiratory muscles. It is commonly associated with OMDs and as myofunctional therapists, we should be aware of our patients posture and who we should refer to in order for our patient to make the most gains in therapy. 

Forward head posture occurs when the head is positioned with the ears in front of the shoulders or the body’s vertical midline. In neutral head posture or optimal head posture, our ears should line up with our shoulders at midline. 

Symptoms that often accompany forward head posture and should be red flags as we assess patients are: 

  • chronic neck pain
  • tight neck muscles
  • decreased range of motion of the neck
  • Headaches
  • jaw pain 
  • jaw pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
  • numbness and tingling in arms and hands
  • decreased balance control
  • muscle spasms
  • herniated or other disc problems

In some cases, myofunctional therapy is sufficient to address the root cause of forward head posture and gain optimal head and neck posture. Other times, we may need to refer out as needed. Our goal as myofunctional therapists is to address OMDs and assist our patients with getting to the root cause of their issues. If you want to dive deeper and become a confident myofunctional therapist®, join us in The Myo Method®.

Sources:

Korbmacher, H., et al. (2005). Orofacial myofunctional disorders in children with asymmetry of the posture and locomotion apparatus. International Journal of Orofacial Myology, 31(1), 26-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2005.31.1.3 

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This month`s CE Training in The Myo Membership® was absolutely awesome! We were thrilled to welcome renowned speech-language pathologist, author, seminar presenter, and president and co-founder of Speech Dynamics, Inc, Char Boshart, M.A., CCC-SLP. 🎖️

Her presentation, MYO Components & Comparisons: Swallowing, Speech Production, and the Essentials of /s/ and /r/ Therapy, delivered a wealth of knowledge you won`t want to miss. 🧠

Our takeaway? Char`s insightful quote: "Wherever the lips, tongue and jaw rest is where they work." This simple concept unlocks a deeper understanding of speech and swallowing function.

Interested in joining August`s CE Training but not a member yet? Send me a DM!

#speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram

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This month's CE Training in The Myo Membership® was absolutely awesome! We were thrilled to welcome renowned speech-language pathologist, author, seminar presenter, and president and co-founder of Speech Dynamics, Inc, Char Boshart, M.A., CCC-SLP. 🎖️ Her presentation, MYO Components & Comparisons: Swallowing, Speech Production, and the Essentials of /s/ and /r/ Therapy, delivered a wealth of knowledge you won't want to miss. 🧠 Our takeaway? Char's insightful quote: "Wherever the lips, tongue and jaw rest is where they work." This simple concept unlocks a deeper understanding of speech and swallowing function. Interested in joining August's CE Training but not a member yet? Send me a DM! #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram

Do tongue and lip ties cause any issues beyond struggles with infant feeding?

Are there really any other lasting complications that spill over into other areas of health?

Find out in our latest blog post: https://halliebulkin.com/tongue-lip-ties-health/ or comment `BLOG` below to get the link in your DM.

#tongueties #lipties #infantfeeding #pediatricfeeding #halliebulkinblog

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Do tongue and lip ties cause any issues beyond struggles with infant feeding? Are there really any other lasting complications that spill over into other areas of health? Find out in our latest blog post: https://halliebulkin.com/tongue-lip-ties-health/ or comment 'BLOG' below to get the link in your DM. #tongueties #lipties #infantfeeding #pediatricfeeding #halliebulkinblog

Don`t forget to listen to this week`s podcast. Episode 277 is all about TOTs and Feeding in Clinical Practice & Public Health Initiatives

This week, I discuss the gaps in our understanding of the relationship between tethered oral tissues and food aversions.

I talk about the need for more research on how these tissues affect sensory processing during eating, the importance of early identification and interventions, and the effectiveness of tongue tie release procedures.

I also explore the neurological aspects and long-term impacts on dietary preferences, emphasizing the role of awareness in clinical practice and public health.

You can catch the full episode here https://untetheredpodcast.com/ or comment `PODCAST` below to get the link.

If this episode has resonated with you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag Hallie @halliebulkin

#tetheredoraltissues #theuntetheredpodcast #foodaversions #pediatricfeeding #certifiedpediatricfeedingtherapist #feedingtherapist

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Don't forget to listen to this week's podcast. Episode 277 is all about TOTs and Feeding in Clinical Practice & Public Health Initiatives This week, I discuss the gaps in our understanding of the relationship between tethered oral tissues and food aversions. I talk about the need for more research on how these tissues affect sensory processing during eating, the importance of early identification and interventions, and the effectiveness of tongue tie release procedures. I also explore the neurological aspects and long-term impacts on dietary preferences, emphasizing the role of awareness in clinical practice and public health. You can catch the full episode here https://untetheredpodcast.com/ or comment 'PODCAST' below to get the link. If this episode has resonated with you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag Hallie @halliebulkin #tetheredoraltissues #theuntetheredpodcast #foodaversions #pediatricfeeding #certifiedpediatricfeedingtherapist #feedingtherapist

Does your tongue have wavy edges?

This wavy pattern, sometimes called a "scalloped tongue," can appear along the sides of the tongue and resemble the ridges of a scallop shell. While not necessarily a cause for alarm on its own, a scalloped tongue can be a sign of an underlying condition called an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD).

Other symptoms to look for may Include:

👅 Tongue resting low/forward/against/between the teeth
👅 Tethered Oral Tissues (e.g., tongue tie)
👅 Sleep Disordered Breathing (e.g., UARS, Sleep Apnea, OSA)
👅 Malocclusion
👅 TMJ

Other causes are said to include:

👅Dehydration
👅Smoking
👅Nutritional Deficiency or Disorder

As myofunctional therapists, our job is to work with the client and their interdisciplinary healthcare team to assess and determine if the root cause of a scalloped tongue (and other symptoms present) is an OMD.

When an OMD is present with a scalloped tongue, we can formulate an individualized care plan to help treat the client and address proper oral rest posture. If the palate is large enough to accommodate the tongue and the tongue is not restricted, orofacial myofunctional therapy may be a sufficient approach. If structural concerns exist (e.g., narrow palate, restricted tongue, etc.) other providers will need likely need to be consulted early in the treatment plan.

P.S. If you`re an SLP, OT, PT, RDH, or DDS and you want to learn more about different OMDs and how to properly assess them, check out www.themyomethod.com or comment `MYO` below and I will send more info your way!

#speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram #themyomethod #myomethod

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Does your tongue have wavy edges? This wavy pattern, sometimes called a "scalloped tongue," can appear along the sides of the tongue and resemble the ridges of a scallop shell. While not necessarily a cause for alarm on its own, a scalloped tongue can be a sign of an underlying condition called an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD). Other symptoms to look for may Include: 👅 Tongue resting low/forward/against/between the teeth 👅 Tethered Oral Tissues (e.g., tongue tie) 👅 Sleep Disordered Breathing (e.g., UARS, Sleep Apnea, OSA) 👅 Malocclusion 👅 TMJ Other causes are said to include: 👅Dehydration 👅Smoking 👅Nutritional Deficiency or Disorder As myofunctional therapists, our job is to work with the client and their interdisciplinary healthcare team to assess and determine if the root cause of a scalloped tongue (and other symptoms present) is an OMD. When an OMD is present with a scalloped tongue, we can formulate an individualized care plan to help treat the client and address proper oral rest posture. If the palate is large enough to accommodate the tongue and the tongue is not restricted, orofacial myofunctional therapy may be a sufficient approach. If structural concerns exist (e.g., narrow palate, restricted tongue, etc.) other providers will need likely need to be consulted early in the treatment plan. P.S. If you're an SLP, OT, PT, RDH, or DDS and you want to learn more about different OMDs and how to properly assess them, check out www.themyomethod.com or comment 'MYO' below and I will send more info your way! #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram #themyomethod #myomethod

Sensory oral motor feeding difficulties aren’t just a temporary phase that children outgrow. 🍼🍎

These can be complex and often require professional evaluation and treatment to address effectively.
These challenges don’t simply resolve on their own and it takes a dedicated team of specialists to systematically assess and treat the underlying causes.

Unfortunately, most professionals treat sensory and motor as if they exist in silos. We cannot separate the sensory from the motor. Holistic feeding therapists understand this and approach feeding therapy through a sensory oral motor lens.

These professionals can develop a targeted plan to support and help children overcome their feeding difficulties, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition and care they need to thrive. 🤝

While we cover sensory and motor throughout the course, Ramya and Caitlin talk in depth about sensory-based feeding difficulties in Module 6 of the Feed The Peds® course. 📚✨

Tag an SLP or OT who might be interested in learning more about sensory-based feeding difficulties! ⬇️

#speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #slpsofinstagram
#pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapist
#feedingtherapy #speechlanguagetherapist #pediatricot
#pediatricfeedingdisorders #pediatricfeedingdisorder #pediatricfeedingtherapy
#pediatricfeedingtherapist #pediatricfeeding #feedthepeds #onlinecourse #onlinelearning

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Sensory oral motor feeding difficulties aren’t just a temporary phase that children outgrow. 🍼🍎 These can be complex and often require professional evaluation and treatment to address effectively. These challenges don’t simply resolve on their own and it takes a dedicated team of specialists to systematically assess and treat the underlying causes. Unfortunately, most professionals treat sensory and motor as if they exist in silos. We cannot separate the sensory from the motor. Holistic feeding therapists understand this and approach feeding therapy through a sensory oral motor lens. These professionals can develop a targeted plan to support and help children overcome their feeding difficulties, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition and care they need to thrive. 🤝 While we cover sensory and motor throughout the course, Ramya and Caitlin talk in depth about sensory-based feeding difficulties in Module 6 of the Feed The Peds® course. 📚✨ Tag an SLP or OT who might be interested in learning more about sensory-based feeding difficulties! ⬇️ #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #slpsofinstagram #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapist #feedingtherapy #speechlanguagetherapist #pediatricot #pediatricfeedingdisorders #pediatricfeedingdisorder #pediatricfeedingtherapy #pediatricfeedingtherapist #pediatricfeeding #feedthepeds #onlinecourse #onlinelearning
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