A personalized approach to Myofunctional Therapy in Central Oregon
When we can function better, we can live healthier and happier lives. My goal as your myofunctional therapist is to teach you how to function properly and create healthy habits that last for a lifetime. I take the time to check on my patients and support their progress. TeleHealth and in-person appointments are provided that will work around business schedules, school hours and extra curricular activities. As a working mother of two, I understand the importance of working around your schedule.
I value a team approach to our health care, facilitating communication among your providers and finding additional resources you may need. In today’s age leaning on your community is vital, and my goal is to guide you through your healthcare options.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Put simply, myofunctional therapy is a program used to correct the improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. It involves strengthening of the tongue, throat and orofacial muscles and teaching you how to use those muscles in the correct way.
Why is this important? Here is one example: Our tongue should live on the roof of our mouth. Most people never stop to observe or think about this, but more often than not it does not come naturally to us. Learning this positioning at a young age helps facilitate healthy upper and lower jaw growth, which means our teeth come in straighter. This simple, but important function also develops a healthy sinus cavity for breathing through our nose.
Effective myofunctional therapy exercises and techniques establish long term healthy habits.
Who can benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy may benefit those who suffer from a variety of ailments, including:
- Headaches
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Neck pain
- Thumb sucking
- Nail biting
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
Working with Sacha was such a pleasant and productive experience! It was easy to trust the process as it was so apparent she’s highly knowledgeable and experienced in this area. I completed my program having gained a lot of helpful information and having corrected several problematic habits successfully. Additionally, she was such a joy to work with and it didn’t take many appointments before I began really looking forward to visiting with, and working with her. Highly, highly recommend!
Myfunctional therapy works for all ages.
Myo is wonderful for children and adolescents, but adults can also benefit! Your body is always changing and remodeling itself—and myofunctional therapy capitalizes on the fact that your jawbones are among the most dynamic bones in the entire body. That means they’re more receptive to the forces released when performing myofunctional therapy.
Of all the treatment options available, myofunctional therapy is probably the least invasive. In many cases, all we’re talking about is performing some simple exercises 2-3x a day. In other cases, some exercises need your complete focus, using tools such as a mirror which are called active exercises.
I was referred to Sacha by my orthodontist. My tongue thrust was affecting my orthodontic work and for about a year I worked with Sacha, practicing a variety of exercises to retrain my muscles. She was very thorough and we also worked on strategies to combat mouth breathing and help improve my sleep. Sacha’s exercises were always very creative and helpful. I highly recommend Sacha
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy?
- Improved speech
- Reduction in teeth grinding
- Reduced nasal obstruction
- Reduction in sleep apnea
- Straighten teeth
- Better facial symmetry
- Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
- Ability to move oral muscles properly
- Increasing the tone and mobility of oral structures
- Correct use of oral structures
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